Topic of activity: Introduction of the origin and characteristics of Kunqu Opera to Grade 4 students
Location: General classroom of the school
Activity content: By briefing, we introduced the history and characteristics of Kunqu Opera to Grade 4 students

Most of Grade 4 students had only heard of glove puppetry, Taiwanese Ke-Tse Opera and shadow play and they were not familiar with Kunqu Opera. The teachers might not introduce it in school or they had never watched it on TV. Thus, we held the activity to introduce traditional Kunqu Opera to the students and we hoped that they will learn about the origin, be interested in Kunqu Opera and watch the performances in the future.

Planning of the proposal:

For this activity, we should first plan the proposal for Grade 4 students. Thus, we could more efficiently accomplish the task. The proposal includes briefing content and rewards for correct answers.

Activity strategies:

	We asked the teacher to teach us the techniques to make the briefing and learned to produce the briefing in the process.
	We began making the briefing with the information of Kunqu Opera collected.
	After we accomplished the briefing, the teacher examined it and we practiced the simulation to the students.
	We made an appointment for the briefing with the teacher of Grade 4 and practiced the briefing to Grade 4 students.

Activity outcome:

	Grade 4 students could learn the origin and characteristics of Kunqu Opera.
	All members in the “research team” learned to make and introduce the briefing.

Activity process:

	Work division of briefing content and introduction in turns.
	Individual practice of briefing content.
	Simulation of briefing.
	Calculation of introduction time of briefing.
	Appointment of briefing with Grade 4 teacher.
	In order to encourage Grade 4 students to be concentrated and share their opinions,we prepared drinks, cookies and candies as the rewards.
	All members in the “research team” learned to make and introduce the briefing.
	Formal introduction.

Briefing process

At the beginning, we took turns to introduce the history and cultural characteristics of Kunqu Opera and played the film of Kunqu Opera and thus, the students could approach Kunqu Opera. When we introduced Kunqu Opera, most of the students were concentrated. It showed that they were curious. Since we had practiced in advance, the briefing was smooth and we were not nervous. The participants listened to our briefing at the break of noon and thus we prepared the rewards for their correct answers. During the time for the rewards with correct answers, Grade 4 students mostly raised their hands with correct answers. After this introduction of briefing, we obtained precious experience.

In addition, at the beginning of the report, I was overly confident and I made mistakes when reading. Fortunately, other classmates were good at reporting and thus the process was smooth. When playing the film to introduce Kunqu Opera, we were deciding the host for the rewards of correct answers and we all selected the right person for the most important show. I appreciate the classmates’ cooperation for this successful activity.

Students’ feedback

According to the students’ feedback, generally speaking, the evaluation on each item is positive, including the costumes, cooperation of the members in the report, volume, complete briefing content, variety of content, familiarity with the briefing, specific description of briefing content and appropriate time to introduce the briefing. The comments were mostly positive. However, several students left negative comments and we will improve them next time. Generally speaking, our report was “excellent”.

Afterthoughts

During our briefing, at the beginning, we were not loud enough and some students did not clearly hear our voice. Most of the participants were not familiar with Kunqu Opera and thus some of them were not concentrated. Besides, we did not carefully check the briefing in advance and the answers were shown before the questions in the section of rewards for the correct answers. We regretted that we did not properly prepare the sequence of the briefing. Thus, next time we will speak louder and carefully check the content of the briefing. The audiences will be concentrated and learn more about the content.

Reference:research team edit

Source of Photos:Photographed by the research team

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