Ms. Fletcher's Information about the Governor's Institute on Asian Cultures

Handouts:

Universals of Culture

Essay Outline

The Research Presentation:

You will be responsible for putting together a research presentation to be given in the spring of your second year with GIAC. The project is a prerequisite to the second summer trip to China. 

The assignment:  Research anything about a country in Asia.  It should be a topic that interests you.  If you’re having trouble getting started, look at the Universals of Culture for topic ideas.

The plan:  At the end of the VT summer program, you’ll be asked to write a plan for your studies.  This should include how you’re going to research your given topic and how you might present it to other students.

The presentation:  In the spring following your VT summer program, you’ll present your research to the teachers, peers from your group, and parents.  Usually these are small group presentations and last about 15 minutes each.  The purpose of the presentation is to show off what you’ve learned, connect it to our possible experiences in China, and engage us in a learning experience. 

Here’s what you should remember for the presentation:

• You are responsible for teaching us.  Engage your learners.
• This is academic, but it doesn’t have to be boring.  How can you liven up your presentation?  Do you really need that PowerPoint?
• How do you like to learn?  Include that style in your presentation.  For example, if you’re doing a presentation on karate, don’t just tell us about karate.  Instead teach us some moves/ideas and then have us practice.  We want to be involved in your learning – not passive bystanders.  If you did art, have us practice the art form.  If you studied language, teach us some.  If you studied a historical era, come dressed in a traditional outfit.  The possibilities are truly endless!

As with most projects, this one should not be saved for the night before.  If you run into trouble, email me for help.

Good luck!

Resources:

China Daily

Beijing Review

Governor's Institute on Asian Cultures - Here is the link to the program website. It is a bit out of date, but it gives the basic idea of the program.

www.giv.org - A link to all Governor's Institute programs in Vermont

Are you an adult interested in going to Asia? Link to the Asian Studies Outreach Program: http://www.uvm.edu/~outreach/

or get the ASOP Brochure '08 and application

Vermont's Comprehensive Statewide Source for International Education - links to different international programs for students, educators, and community members

Ms. Fletcher's Homepage