Images of East Asia Workshop

I felt that the workshop was great. I also use a lot of technology in my classroom (internet, computer, video…) I have found a lot of great videos for my classes at Discovery Education.
Discovery Education

I'm a little slow..and have only started posting today. But I absolutely loved the workshop. It opened my eyes to a whole new world that is out there. I mainly wanted to participate in the Seminar to understand my Asian students better. I merely do not want to educate them, but relate to them and their culture. Being a Latina, and teaching mostly Latinos has limited my perspective substancially. I really enjoyed that day. It was so overwhelming. Especially professor Zhang. She showed us so much. i know Prof. Donald Clark is well known among Korean scholars, his presentation was exceptional too. The next monday I spoke to some of my students casually about the movies I saw. And of course, after being told that some of those movies were "old school," many, many other movies were recommended to me. My students were more than eager to educate me. And I am thankful for the opportunity. I'm a bit slow. Thanks again for "opening my eyes."

Over the Winter Break I have been reading ahead for chapter 'two' of the Japanese discussion.
I am very interested in discussing the role the Emperor played or did not play in the wars Japan fought in the 20's, 30's and 40's. I have always believed that he was a minor player, but a figurehead and rubber stamp for the agression of the generals in charge. Imagine my surprise after reading several of the articles in our compilation. This should be a VERY good next session.

Clay, sorry it took so long. But I hadnt been able to get my notes where I wrote some of my students responses...as to movies. Koizora and 1 litre of Tears were suggested. But, also, and apparently most importantly are dramas. My students highly recommed them. Korean, Taiwanese and Japanese dramas, apparently are the rage among the teenagers and young 20's. I was told that these are some of the favorite. "Boys over flowers," "You're Beautiful," "Hang Yori Dango," "que Sera Sera," Hana Kimi," Ryusei no Kizuna," Shining Inheritance," "Full House," "My Girl," and Fated to Love You." I've watched some of these on Channel 18, the subtitles really help, but I just cant get that into them as I do Mexican telenovelas, which are my favorite. My husband knows that starting @7pm I cannot be bothered because I am watching my Mexican dramas. When we have class, I rush home to watch the ending of the 7pm novela.

This workshop was really delightfull, I was so impressed with "Misunderstanding China Revisited" by Professor Irv Drasnin who had done a ground -breaking examination of American miths and misperceptions of China, eye opening and very captivating information.
Dr. Jie Zhang's research work is outstanding, extense, and extremely deep; yet, I did not enjoy because it was mostly read from her notes and little eye contact with the audience.
Dr. Clark was excellent, in addition to fun and resourceful.

I am especially excited about this Saturday's meeting - when we get a chance to discuss Korea. Many of my students are of Korean background - and I spent a few weeks in Korea studying and exploring the country. I wonder how much and in what ways Korea has changed since I was there 4 years ago!?

Since many of my students are visual learners, it is always important for me to get stories or film clips to bring the lesson I am teaching them to a visual understanding, especially in situations they can relate to.
Therefore Professor Zhang introduction of various films, which I am looking forward to viewing them, helped to reinforce what I am trying to do for my students in the classroom.Instead of reinventing the wheel, to already use resources which are already available.