Chinese Character Instruction During Emergency Remote Teaching: A Review Study

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled Chinese-language teachers to adapt to digital solutions as the world transitioned to emergency remote teaching. This abrupt shift to online instruction posed particular challenges for teaching Chinese characters, long regarded as best taught through handwriting. This chapter presents a review of 20 studies published between 2020 and 2023 on Chinese character instruction during emergency remote teaching. Findings show that these publications focused on the following six aspects: (1) navigating digital solutions, (2) adjusting assessments, (3) teachers’ attitudes, (4) teachers’ acceptance of technology, (5) students’ feedback and (6) embracing the new normal. These studies highlight an unresolved and intensified dilemma in Chinese character instruction. While they demonstrate that digital tools effectively enhance student engagement and self-directed learning, they also raise concerns regarding reduced opportunities for consolidating handwriting skills. The chapter concludes by advocating an open-minded approach to new ideas in Chinese character instruction. The experiences gained during the pandemic years will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Chinese character teaching.