Why do we use 2 teachers in the audio?

kencarroll
September 27, 2008, 10:11 AM posted in General Discussion

I've just written a blog post about how we use two teachers in the audio lessons and other things here. Feel free to drop by and leave a comment.

Profile picture
bababardwan
September 27, 2008, 01:27 PM

Ken,

I read your blog with much interest.I didn't leave a comment as I felt you expressed yourself succinctly and I agreed with it and didn't feel there was anything new to add.I think the 2 teacher formula works very well and makes it much more entertaining as well as educational.

Profile picture
kencarroll
September 27, 2008, 03:31 PM

bababardwan,

Thx. I 'm starting to think about this stuff in a new light. I have many ideas to try out. (3 teachers???) I think it's going to be fun?

Profile picture
bababardwan
September 27, 2008, 10:52 PM

Ken,

What a privelege hearing from you.I love your understanding of human behaviour and the insights gained from analysis of language during the podcasts and all in such an entertaining way.I'm often thinking "spot on" .I'm not sure about the 3 teacher idea.It probably depends on where/how it's done.The interaction between yourself and Jenny is priceless and I think it's personalities that have  a huge impact here as well.It calls to mind many famous pairings from the entertainment industry.There's an old saying we all know;"when you're on a good thing;stick to it".However I probably first heard this as a little kid in an add here for a fly spray [Mortein] featuring Louie the Fly.Mortein is still going strong as far as I know ,but it's now probably just one of many brands [my impression only here;don't know the stats].One thing that probably sets you ahead of the rest is your willingness to be innovative and experiment [and not rest on your laurels] and I for one applaud that.So I'd say go ahead and experiment and be innovative [and analyse the results I'm sure] while at the same time keeping all the magic that you already have.Bonne chance!

Profile picture
sayed
September 28, 2008, 03:49 AM

hello daer

i hop you r all good

i want to lrening chinesee you can help me ok

bye

Profile picture
calkins
September 28, 2008, 04:30 AM

kencarroll says

I’d even go as far as to say that, ultimately, the object of study on ChinesePod is culture, not language.

I really liked this comment Ken.  It's so true.  By learning Chinese, we gain a better understanding of China, of the people, their history, and why they sometimes do things differently than we do.

Every so often, I'm taken aback by an American's negative reaction to why I'm learning Chinese.  I think many Americans, still to this day, instantly feel bad emotions when they think of China...communism, Red China, etc. (hoping this verbiage won't get flagged...remove if necessary).

I wish all Americans had to learn Chinese, so that they could see the good in China, and understand that Chinese people are just like everyone else in the world.

Sorry for getting so off topic, but your comment struck a cord.

Profile picture
kencarroll
September 29, 2008, 07:56 AM

babardwan,

We certainly intend to continue to experiment.

Calkins,

I guess a lot fof people still dont' see a practical reason for studying Chinese, but that will change ove time. In a few years people will be complimenting you on your prescience (not to mention your fluency).

Profile picture
greggs
September 29, 2008, 01:25 PM

hi Ken and Calkins,

I also agree with Calkins about peoples reaction to my learning Chinese.  Actually the first reaction is wow, that is so difficult.  I usually respond by saying it has it not withou challenges, but it is very rewarding and an interesting method to discover and understand this emerging nation. 

I recently visted China for 6 weeks.  I went to many cities, from Chendgu to Yagnzhou, Beijing and Shanghai.  In all the places I found the Chinese people to be warm and welcoming.  And of course I can not believe how much food was placed in front of me!

I hope you are correct Ken.  If I can learn enough of this language to be comfortable in conversation, I think it will be an asset in the future.  For me, I have business reasons to learn, but through various websites I have also become older brother to many Chinese citizens.  It is great to meet so many people eager to learn.

I have found that Chinese Pod has been the best tool for me to learn Mandarin.  Thanks for the great work.