Faculty: Calina Lee Class: Mandarin A and Mandarin B

Date: November 13, 2014 & November 18, 2014

I really enjoyed by visits to Calinas Mandarin A and Mandarin B language classes. Both classes were
an excellent balance of direct instruction and student participation. Of high merit, was the classroom
environment: it was supportive, comfortable for young students and designed for student growth.
Calina employed multisensory learning modalities to provide for diverse learning styles. Listed below
are direct observations about the class that address some of the areas of excellence.
1. Demonstrates mastery of content knowledge appropriate to ones teaching assignment as
evidenced by:
In my visits to both sections, it was clear that Calinas students have learned a remarkable amount of
Mandarin. Calina knows the language well and is clear and succinct in her presentation to students.
She chunks the information delivers to her students and she asks for immediate feedback. Calinas
class consisted of a good balance of a review of material learned and new material being introduced
to students. Students were often asked to relate concepts or ideas in Mandarin to their English
equivalent. This structured approach allowed students to develop a better understanding of the word
or phrase they were learning in class.
2. Demonstrates a high level of instructional effectiveness as evidenced by:
The class was designed in a manner that allowed students to move in a seamless fashion through
varied activities that provided opportunities for growth. Calina had a clear plan and outline for the
structure of the class. The main objective in Mandarin A: learn how to tell dates in Mandarin. This
was structured around a review of homework, the greeting song, and eventually progressed to
learning essential sentences. Students practiced this new skill along with the vocabulary and phasing
they had learned with a partner at the end of the class. Homework was assigned as reinforcement and
was listed on our CANVAS website. In Mandarin B, Mrs. Lee focused on cultural competency and
language use. Mrs. Lee told a story of a Chinese explorer and students needed to make a connection
to Columbus. In addition, they were asked to answer questions posed in the target language and
answer in the target language. The students level of sophistication and understanding was impressive
and well exceeded the level one would expect students who had only been studying the language for
fourteen months. Technology was used in both classes to enhance student understanding and
learning.
3. Demonstrates an interest in and ability to structure a positive and supportive learning
environment for students that builds confidence and competence as evidenced by:
Calina is a calm, reassuring presence as a teacher. She sets a positive tone through her constant
guidance and support. When students make an error, she explains the mistake and offers insights for
improvement. Her enthusiasm for the language is evident, and she clearly values her students as
learners. In addition, she is able to create appropriate classroom environments in both sections. In
Mandarin A, Calina students were engaged and enthusiastic asking to sing the greeting song again at
the end of class and dance to it. In Mandarin B, her students engaged in a short debate on why we
consider an individual a hero.
Newark Academy is fortunate to have Calina as a teacher for our youngest students. I look forward
to working with her for many years.
Tom Ashburn
Middle School Principal
Newark Academy
December 22, 2014