" Prof. Tseng is an exceptionally knowledgeable and organized instructor. Her expertise extends beyond AP Chinese to a wide range of instructional practices, and her passion for teaching is evident in every session. Her enthusiasm and commitment make the learning experience both engaging and inspiring."

"Prof Tseng is very knowledgeable and very patient with all the participants. "
She is well prepared, useful information and strategies"

- Marin By The Bay Participants
Dr. Miao-Fen Tseng   (曾妙芬)
AP Chinese Consultant (nearly 20 years)
Professor of Chinese 
Inaugural Director, Institute of World Languages - University of Virginia
https://eastasian.as.virginia.edu/people/miao-fen-tseng-cengmiaofen
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Miao-Fen Tseng (曾妙芬) is Professor of Chinese and the Inaugural Director of the Institute of World at the University of Virginia. A leading advocate for Chinese language education in the U.S. and globally, she has held numerous influential roles, including:
  • AP Chinese Leadership: Member of the AP Chinese Task Force, senior reviewer and academic advisor for AP Chinese Course Audit, primary author of the AP Chinese Language and Culture Teacher Guide, and College Board consultant delivering one-day workshops and four-day summer institutes (2004-present).
  • STARTALK Innovation: recipient of annual STARTALK awards to create and lead the Virginia STARTALK Chinese Teacher Academy in partnership with the Virginia STARTALK Chinese Student Academy at UVA (2008-2024).
Dr. Tseng has delivered over 270 invited talks and workshops worldwide, shaping the professional growth of countless K–16 Chinese language educators who have become outstanding teachers and regional leaders. Her commitment to advocacy includes founding and serving as President of the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Virginia (2009–2013) and serving on the CLTA Board of Directors. Her course Intermediate Chinese was recognized as one of the top ten undergraduate Chinese language courses nationwide in a 2007 study by the Educational Policy Improvement Center. She has served on numerous national and international committees, including the STARTALK Task Force, ACTFL/NCATE program review panels, and as an OPI-certified tester in Mandarin Chinese. Awards and Honors include:
  • Marshall Brannon FLAVA Excellence in Teaching Award (2025)
  • Daniels Family NEH Distinguished Teaching Professor (2020-23)
  • Albert Nelson Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)
  • Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Taipei (2018)
  • Jefferson Trust Award (2018)
  • Helen Warriner-Burke FLAVA Distinguished Service Award (2016)
  • Jiede Empirical Research Grant (2015)
Dr. Tseng has also secured multiple grants to advance curriculum and pedagogy, reinforcing her reputation as a visionary leader in Chinese language education
 COURSE DESCRIPTION
The 4-Day Interactive Summer Institute empowers AP Chinese educators to navigate the NEW AP Chinese Language and Culture course and exam, built on World-Readiness Standards for curriculum development and language performance. A core focus is to compare the old and new versions of the AP Chinese course and exam, offering a clear roadmap for preparation and a smooth transition to the updated framework. Educators will gain practical strategies and a wealth of resources to elevate teaching and learning while ensuring alignment with the latest standards.
Participants will:
  • Review the updated AP course description, exam format, course audit criteria, and sample syllabi.
  • Gain hands-on experience assessing student responses using AP rubrics and grading criteria.
  • Explore research-supported best practices for creating a communicative, immersive classroom.
  • Learn step-by-step strategies to strengthen student performance in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes, supported by innovative technology tools. 
  • Design authentic, student-centered projects with diverse real-world materials
  • Connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with fellow educators.

Agenda
DAY 1: Monday
Morning
  • Introduction 
  • Agenda for the AP Chinese Summer Institute 
  • College Board's Equity Statement 
  • Newly created course and exam description (CED)
  • Overview of the NEW AP Chinese Course and exam 
  • World-Readiness Standards & three modes of communication
  • AP Community Online Resources
Afternoon 
  • NEW Course New Framework
  • NEW AP Course Audit
  • Integration of Six themes
  • Sample Syllabi
  • Skills categories, can-do Statements, and guidelines 
  • AP Classroom 
  • Unit Plan Task in Action  
Tuesday 
Morning 
  • Overview of NEW exam items
  • Strategies for multiple choice questions 
  • Simulated exam-taking for free responses 
  • Analysis of sample responses in alignment with scoring guidelines
Afternoon
  • Simulated exam-taking for free responses items (Cont.)
  • Analysis of sample responses in alignment with scoring guidelines (Cont.)
  • Unit Plan Task in Action (Cont.)

Wednesday 
    Morning 
  • Effective teaching strategies for diverse learners 
  • Instructional strategies and activities
  • Incorporating authentic materials to create authentic tasks and projects
  • ACTFL’s Integrated Performance Assessment 
Afternoon
  • Listening and speaking strategies and practice 
  • Reading and writing strategies and practice 
  • Teaching cultural perspective - beyond product and practice
  • Incorporation of authentic materials and authentic tasks and projects (Cont.)
  • ACTFL’s Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA Cont.)

​Thursday 
Morning
  • Group presentations of authentic tasks and projects (Cont.) 
  • Critiques and Analysis: Integrated Performance Assessment 
Afternoon
  • Building a vertical team and advocacy 
  • Technology tools for enhancing teaching/learning 
  • Community outreach and resources
  • Q&A, wrap-ups, and next steps ​
Dr. Tseng has many Publications related to Pre-AP and AP Chinese: