Investigating the use of a local Chinese character textbook (Learn Chinese Characters Easily) for teaching at the Confucius classroom of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Nigeria

Abstract

The present study investigated the use of the local Chinese character textbook Learn Chinese Characters Easily by Chinese language (second language) learners at the Confucius classroom of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Nigeria. A sample of 50 students out of the 65 selected from the Confucius classroom were randomly investigated for their opinions on their use of the local Chinese character textbook. The findings indicated that the use of the local Chinese character textbook has aroused students’ interest in Chinese characters through their learning experiences; that the organization and content of the textbook were found to be moderately satisfactory; and that the students admitted that the textbook has helped them improve their Chinese proficiency. Overall, the local textbook is essential for the users but needs improvement in the few areas indicated by the research. Finally, the study offered some innovative suggestions for optimizing the textbook and improving learners’ experiences and learning outcomes.