Renee Lee

I have experience in teaching Mandarin Chinese to both children and adults. Witnessing my students enjoy the learning process and make progress in their language skills brings me great joy. I believe in tailoring lessons to meet individual needs, interests, and goals, regardless of age or skill level. My aim is to create a personalized learning plan and offer assistance whenever necessary.

I have ten years of experience teaching in elementary and junior schools in Taiwan, and am a certified teacher. Additionally, I hold a TCFL Teacher Training certificate and currently teach at a Chinese school in Vancouver, as well as online.

Many adults desire to learn Mandarin for career advancement, travel purposes, and educational needs. Meanwhile, an increasing number of parents want their children to learn Mandarin to prepare them for the future, establish cultural identity, or provide them with more opportunities.

English is a phonetic language, which means that once you learn how to pronounce a word, it becomes easier to guess its spelling and memorize it. This makes reading and writing in English more accessible. On the other hand, Mandarin Chinese relies on separate systems for word and pronunciation, requiring learners to learn both and connect them through memory and practice. While listening and speaking Mandarin may not be too difficult, reading and writing require diligence and devotion.

Taiwanese culture is a blend of Chinese, Japanese, and aboriginal traditions. Despite being unfamiliar with Taiwan and its culture, my students are well-acquainted with bubble tea and have likely tried it before. Taiwan boasts a diverse range of cuisines, including Minan, Haka, and Japanese, which represent its rich cultural heritage. As someone who enjoys cooking, I find that my students are interested in learning about Taiwan's culture through its food.

Learning Mandarin requires commitment and dedication, just like any other language. Consistent practice outside of class is essential for making progress. Without it, students may become discouraged and stop learning, which would be unfortunate for both the student and the teacher. To prevent this, I assist students in creating a personalized learning plan, provide regular feedback and encouragement, and monitor progress regularly. This approach has been effective in keeping students engaged and motivated, and has helped prevent dropouts.

I am committed to tailoring my lessons to meet the unique needs, motivations, and interests of each individual student. My goal is to create a personalized learning plan that meets your specific goals, and to offer support whenever you need it. However, progress ultimately depends on your commitment to attending classes and completing assignments. To make learning fun and engaging, I utilize interactive, task-based, and TPR methods, and incorporate multimedia elements such as movies, songs, and games to ensure that every lesson is both enjoyable and meaningful.

Learning to play the piano can be challenging for beginners, as they need to adjust their fingers and body to the instrument. Similarly, mastering Chinese pronunciation can be difficult for learners due to the unfamiliarity of the four tones in relation to their own linguistic system. However, with patience and continuous practice, students can overcome these challenges and improve their skills. It's important to remember that perfection is not the goal, but rather progress and improvement over time.

I have had the privilege of meeting individuals from diverse regions across the globe, including North America, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, Korea, and Uganda, who possess a proficient understanding and fluency in Mandarin.

I currently offer online classes, which come with several advantages such as time efficiency, access to multiple online resources, and the inclusion of multimedia for entertainment. Once students get used to online learning, they can fully embrace these benefits.