Issues concerning the training and accreditation of Chinese language teachers in Australia

This paper presents an overview of issues in the teaching and learning Chinese language in Australia. It also reviews Chinese language teachers’ `training and professional development and the accreditation system in Australia. In a global economic slow-down, China has emerged as a major driving force in the world arena. Chinese language skills have been sought after worldwide, thus providing a rare opportunity to for Chinese learners and teachers.This exploratory study is based on case study of four Chinese language teachers. It does not aim to be comprehensive, but rather foregrounds areas in which current research and development for research in Chinese as an international language. The result indicates that there is urgency for qualified and high quality training and development program for such teachers.