Qian Kan

Profile

I am the module chair for the Beginners' Chinese course L197, and head of Chinese.

Before joining the Open University, I was Senior Language Teaching officer in the Department of East Asian Studies at the University of Cambridge for eleven years. Prior to that, I lectured in Chinese Studies at Lancaster University for three years. Between 1992 and 1993, I worked for the BBC World Service as translator and presenter.

I am also Director of Studies in Asian and Middle Estern Studies, Christ's College, University of Cambridge.

Teaching Interests

I am interested in how we can best enhance the learning experience using ICT in the context of learning Mandarin Chinese at distance.

I have published numerous learning materials including: Teach Yourself Phone Mandarin (Hodder & Stoughton, 2008), Colloquial Chinese 2 (Routledge 2007), Mandarin Chinese Phrase Book (BBC Active, 2007), Colloquial Chinese (Routledge 1995 and 2nd edition 2009, Colloquial Chinese CD-Rom (Routledge 1998), Interactive Guide to Chinese Characters CD-Rom (China Chain, 2001). Developing Writing Skills in Chinese (Routledge 2003, co-author with Boping Yuan).

Research Interests

I am interested in the use of online forums in assisting the learning of Chinese language,  the use of reflective forums for cultural learning and various issues to do with mobile learning.  

Publications