Winter Classes 2012

This Winter we offer the following classes. Each class meets once a week.

Mandarin Level 1 - Tuesdays 6PM-7:30, starts Jan 10. $100, 10 weeks
Mandarin Level 2 - Thursdays 6PM-7:30, starts Jan 12. $100, 10 weeks
Mandarin Level 3 - Tuesdays 7:30-9PM, starts Jan 10. $100, 10 weeks
Mandarin Level 4 - Wednesdays 6PM-7:30, starts Jan 11. $100, 10 weeks
Mandarin Level 7 - Thursdays 6PM-7:30, starts Jan 12. $100, 10 weeks
Mandarin Level 10 - Tuesdays 6PM-7:30, starts Jan 10. $100, 10 weeks
Mandarin Reading & Discussion - Wednesdays 6PM-7:30, starts Jan 11. $100, 10 weeks

Mandarin Level 1-3. This series will introduce you to Mandarin Chinese. We start with the basics of pronunciation, pinyin and grammar. Language is all about communication and these classes are designed for participation. Our custom designed materials are web accessible and free to students (spiral bound hard copy is $8). By the end of this sequence you will have a firm grasp of pronuncation and basic grammar, as well as a substantial vocabulary of practical words used in China today. The class is co-led by two teachers, giving you perspectives of a fellow learner and a native speaker.

Mandarin Level 4-6. This series continues our tradition of highly interactive class sessions and introduces Chinese characters using the "Hanyu Jiaocheng" textbooks. Led by Jingjing Song.

Mandarin Discussion. This class is ideal for learners who can recognize 300 characters or more. The class itself is a balance between structured learning and natural conversation. Each week we read a chapter of the book and discuss it in class. The books are interesting and engaging while sticking with a limited vocabulary. The discussion starts with the content of the book but is not limited to it. Led by Ann Zhu.

Mandarin Tutoring Available

We now have several teachers available for tutoring online and offline most hours of the day. The basic cost of tutoring is $25 per hour, and costs do increase if there is travel involved. We apply the same principals to tutoring that we use in the classroom: Make it easy, make it memorable and make it fun :o)

We can also bring the class to your school or business.

Send us an email describing what you are looking for and your time constraints. We will be happy to work with you to find the optimal arrangement.

New Methods for Learning Mandarin Chinese

Effective Chinese is committed to making it easier for you to learn Chinese. We do this by offering you a well designed course, with lots of activities in class and lots of materials to use outside of class.

We feature:
- Experienced instructors, enthusiastic about your success
- Evening classes, downtown Portland, Oregon
- Clear, well planned language instruction
- Online materials that reinforce and expand on the classroom activities

Our approach to learning is simple. We introduce the language incrementally in a way that will allow you to learn without being overwhelmed. We introduce limited number of words per week and always review and reuse previous vocabulary as we move forward. Each week you use the language in the class room in activities designed to make the language unforgettable. And between classes you can reveiw and preview the notes on our wikispace site, where you will find audio materials, fash cards, homework exercises.

This program is for people who need to use their time effectively. We make the most out of classroom time by engaging in activities that you can not do elsewhere. And providing you with a rich online experience to use between classes.

We constantly evaluate new materials and technologies for inclusion, so you can be sure you are getting the best learning environment available.