"Xu Beihong's Determination to Learn Painting" is a biographical narrative. It tells the inspiring story of young artist Xu Beihong during his studies in France. To counter the ridicule of foreign students, he dedicated himself to diligent practice and eventually brought honor to his country through outstanding achievements, praising his noble spirit of striving for his homeland. In my teaching, I focused on the theme of "determination" to stay aligned with the core subject. However, I identified several areas for improvement in my teaching practice.
Regarding time management, a standard 40-minute lesson must be used efficiently to convey meaningful knowledge. It is essential to balance detail and brevity, setting aside secondary information to allow more time for students to grasp the core of the text. For instance, the initial arrogant remarks of the foreign students can be addressed briefly, focusing on the tone of contempt, while the teaching emphasis should shift to the students' changed attitudes and the profound realization expressed in the final line, "having eyes but failing to recognize Mount Tai."
Regarding the depth of exploration, the essence of teaching Chinese lies in deep excavation, whether through the entire text or through specific words and punctuation. With the ongoing curriculum reforms, the role of the teacher is shifting toward that of a guide, highlighting the student's central role. Teachers should lead students to experience the essence of the text, helping them understand key vocabulary more deeply. This approach allows students to explore the characters' inner worlds, making their personalities truly come alive in the students' minds.
