Learn Mandarin Chinese: Capstone Project

Shanghai Jiao Tong University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/learn-mandarin-project

Introduction

### Course Review: Learn Mandarin Chinese: Capstone Project on Coursera If you’re a beginner eager to dive deeper into Mandarin Chinese and are ready to take your skills to the next level, the **Learn Mandarin Chinese: Capstone Project** course on Coursera is an excellent choice. Completing this course is a significant step towards mastering the basics of Mandarin and getting ready for intermediate-level proficiency. #### Course Overview The **Learn Mandarin Chinese: Capstone Project** builds on the foundations laid in the previous courses of the series, specifically Mandarin Chinese 3: Chinese for Beginners. This capstone experience is structured to challenge learners with tasks that simulate real-life situations where they would need to use Mandarin. In addition, there’s guidance offered for tackling the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi), which is the official Chinese proficiency test. This aspect is particularly beneficial for those looking to measure their progress and validate their skills internationally. #### Course Syllabus The syllabus is thoughtfully structured to ensure comprehensive coverage of the material from the previous courses: 1. **Review of Course 1**: A focused recap of lessons 1-5, which reinforces foundational vocabulary and grammar. 2. **Extensive Practice for Course 1**: Engage in oral practice sessions, which incorporate HSK 1 sample tests to hone your speaking abilities and gain confidence. 3. **Review of Course 2**: Revisits lessons 6-10, reinforcing the important concepts learned. 4. **Extensive Practice for Course 2**: Another round of oral practice coupled with HSK 2 sample tests to prepare you for the next level. 5. **Review of Course 3**: An overview of lessons 11-15, ensuring continuity in learning. 6. **Extensive Practice for Course 3**: Focused oral exercises and HSK 2 sample tests designed to solidify the knowledge gained. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Structured Learning**: The course provides a well-organized approach to reviewing and practicing essential language skills systematically. - **Real-life Application**: The simulated scenarios allow students to practice Mandarin in contexts they might encounter in daily life, making learning more applicable and enjoyable. - **HSK Preparation**: Preparing for the HSK tests within the course adds an authoritative benchmark for your language skills, elevating your learning experience. **Cons:** - **Pacing**: Beginners in Mandarin might find the pace challenging as it assumes a certain level of prior knowledge from earlier courses. It is beneficial to have completed the previous courses in the series before enrolling. - **Limited Advanced Content**: As a capstone course, the content leans heavily on review rather than introducing new concepts, which may not be as fulfilling for those looking for more advanced material. #### Conclusion and Recommendation Overall, **Learn Mandarin Chinese: Capstone Project** is a highly beneficial course for anyone looking to solidify their skills in Mandarin after completing previous beginner courses. It effectively integrates practice with real-life applications while also preparing students for the HSK proficiency test, making it a worthwhile investment in your language-learning journey. I highly recommend this course for its structured approach, practical applications, and comprehensive review. It not only prepares you for intermediate Chinese but also builds confidence in using the language in various contexts. So gear up and take the leap into this enriching linguistic experience!

Syllabus

Review of Course 1

Review lesson 1-5

Extensive practice for course 1

Oral practice based on lesson 1 to lesson 5/HSK 1 sample test

Review of Course 2

Review lesson 6 - 10

Extensive practice for course 2

Oral practice based on lesson 1 to lesson 5/HSK 2 sample test

Review of Course 3

Review lesson 11 - 15

Extensive practice for course 3

Oral practice based on lesson 1 to lesson 5/HSK 2 sample test

Overview

Learn Mandarin Chinese: Capstone Project is a beginner's course of Mandarin Chinese in continuation of Mandarin Chinese 3: Chinese for Beginners. In this course, learners are required to complete a few tasks of using Chinese languages in simulated real life situations. Some guidance on taking and passing HSK (Chinese proficiency test) will also be provided. By completing this course, the learners will finish the learning of the whole series and be standing at the threshold of intermediate Chines

Skills

Reviews

Loved it. It had everything that I thought it will. Thank you!!!

Really enjoyed this course. Took me out of my comfort zone, but feel more confident in speaking Chinese.

It was really good to have a summary of what you have learned from lesson 1 2 3 then this lesson was a review. It's really good!

My only 'complaint' is that this seemed to just be a repeat of info we learned before, save for the access to the HSK - still awesome, still helpful.