Potential teacher-led research projects
1. Language Teaching & Cognitive Neuroscience
• How do working memory and attention challenges affect Mandarin tone learning?
• Collaborating with psychology or neuroscience researchers, teachers could explore how memory, attention, or executive functioning influence how students learn Mandarin tones or characters.
• They could also look at neurodivergent learners’ needs, e.g., how to support students with dyslexia or ADHD learning Mandarin.
2. Language Teaching & AI / Digital Education
• Can AI chatbots improve speaking confidence in Mandarin learners?
• A collaborative project with computer science or AI researchers to use chatbots, speech recognition, or AI-feedback tools in Mandarin classrooms — then measure the impact on student engagement and fluency.
3. Language Teaching & Music / Arts
• Using music and rhythm to teach Mandarin tones — does it help learners remember tones better?
• Partnering with music or creative arts faculties, looking at how musical training, rhythm, or movement can support language learning — especially useful for students who struggle with tone production.
4. Language Teaching & Inclusion / SEND Studies
• What inclusive teaching strategies work best for neurodivergent learners in Mandarin classrooms?
• Working with special education researchers, students could design and test differentiated materials for students with dyslexia, autism, or ADHD — and reflect on how that shapes their teaching.
5. Language Teaching & Intercultural Studies / Anthropology
• How does introducing authentic Chinese cultural practices (e.g., calligraphy, tea ceremonies) affect students’ motivation and identity as language learners?
• Collaborating with anthropology or cultural studies departments, exploring cultural immersion as a motivational tool.
6. Language Teaching & Drama / Performance Studies
• Using drama and role-play to teach Mandarin: Does performance-based learning increase student confidence in speaking?
• In partnership with drama or performing arts faculties, designing lessons that use improvised dialogue, role-play, or theatre techniques to practice speaking and listening.
7. Language Learning & Well-being / Psychology
• Can mindfulness-based approaches reduce Mandarin learners’ anxiety and improve performance in speaking tasks?
• Working with psychology or well-being researchers, exploring mindfulness, breathing exercises, and positive psychology interventions to support anxious learners.
8. Language Teaching & Linguistics / Language Acquisition
• What are the common syntactic errors among beginner Mandarin learners, and how can teachers address them effectively?
• Collaborating with linguistics or psycholinguistics researchers, collecting and analyzing student errors to create targeted teaching materials.
9. Language & Social Justice / Educational Policy
• How can Mandarin education be more accessible and equitable in UK schools with diverse student populations?
• Interdisciplinary work with education policy experts to explore barriers to learning and propose inclusive solutions, possibly even influencing local curriculum decisions.
10. Language Teaching & Technology (VR / AR)
• Using Virtual Reality to create immersive Mandarin learning environments: What is the impact on student motivation and cultural understanding?
• Working with education technology or digital learning teams to create VR scenarios for real-life language practice.
Bonus: Community-Based Projects
• Working with local communities (e.g., Chinese community organizations) to create authentic language learning experiences — involving sociology, community education, or cultural studies perspectives.
Note: This blog was co-written by me and ChatGPT — my digital brainstorming partner. I used it to help organise ideas, clarify structure, and find better ways to express what I wanted to say.
