Teaching Methodology of Ballads in the Post-method Era

The field of international Chinese education is flourishing, with an increasing number of teaching methods emerging, especially under the broader context of the post-method era. Dynamic, integrated, and innovative teaching methods are gradually becoming mainstream, though traditional methods are not necessarily outdated or undesirable. Therefore, this paper first analyzes the teaching methods of Chinese as a second language from both vertical and horizontal macro perspectives, and then selects the song-based teaching method for a detailed analysis. Considering the broader context and trends in international Chinese education, the emergence of the song-based teaching method aligns with the trend of younger learners studying Chinese. The advantages of this method cater to the characteristics of young learners, such as difficulty in maintaining focus, incomplete cognitive development, and being in a critical period of learning. However, the song-based teaching method also faces challenges, including a limited number of relevant textbooks. Textbook development has been identified by Mr. Zhao Jinming as one of the most critical factors for the advancement of international Chinese education in the 21st century. Zhou Xiaokang’s Dr. Zhou’s Rhymes for Learning Chinese is a significant textbook in the song-based teaching method, offering important guidance. Analyzing its strengths and weaknesses can provide constructive insights for future textbooks in this approach. Finally, the paper discusses specific teaching strategies for the song-based teaching method, drawing on the author’s practical teaching experience.