Instructor of Chinese
University Hall 3114
(205) 934-1834
Research and Teaching Interests: Language assessment, Teaching materials development, Distance education, Modern and contemporary Chinese literature and culture
Office Hours: By appointment
Education:
- MAEd, TESOL, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- PhD, Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature, Northeast Normal University
Ling Ma began her career as a language educator in 2008 in Birmingham, where she taught Chinese part-time. In 2012, she joined the Department of World Languages and Literatures at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Ling believes that the ultimate goal of education is to inspire and motivate learners. In her approach to teaching, whether planning a course or interacting with students, she is always mindful of their diverse learning styles and paces, their existing knowledge, and their future learning needs. Ling is dedicated to helping students acquire Chinese language skills and enriches their learning experience by sharing her authentic cultural insights. Beyond the classroom, she actively promotes Chinese culture at UAB by advising student clubs, organizing cultural events, developing Chinese study abroad programs, and establishing partnerships with four universities in China and Taiwan.
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Recent Courses
- CHI 101: Introductory Chinese I
- CHI 102: Introductory Chinese II
- CHI 201: Intermediate Chinese I
- CHI 202: Intermediate Chinese II
- CHI 203: Intermediate Chinese Language & Culture
- CHI 204: Intermediate Chinese Language and Culture II
- CHI 206: Chinese for the Professions
- CHI 220. Chinese Through Culinary Art
- CHI 280. Chinese for Health Professionals
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Professional Certificates and Services
- AP rater for College Board
- Testing developer for Defense Language Institute (Listening & Reading)
- STAMP Testing Rater for Avant Assessment
- Certified Tester for Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)
- Certified Quality Matters Reviewer (HE)
- Manuscript reviewer for Cambridge University Press
- The Center for Teaching and Learning Platinum Certificate (UAB)
- The Online Design and Teaching Certificate (UAB)
- Chinese Course Development Committee ALSDE
- Certified ACTFL OPI Tester
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Academic Distinctions and Professional Societies
- STARTALK Grant, National Security Agency, 2024-2026
- UAB Multicultural Curriculum Grant, 2023-2024
- UAB Quality Matters (QM) Strategic Investment Fund, 2023
- STARTALK Grant, National Security Agency, 2023-2025
- Winner of the Ailing Guan Memorial Scholarship. 2022
- Cultural Ambassador Award. Chinese Writers Association of America. 2021
- UAB Signature Core Faculty Fellowship. 2020-2021
- UAB Educational Abroad Fellowship. 2020-2021
- UAB Undergraduate Research Fellowship. 2018-2019
- UAB Fellows in Engaged Scholarship. 2017-2018
- UAB Center for Teaching and Learning Grant (with Dr. John Maddox). 2016
- Educator of Excellence Award. Alabama World Languages Association. 2016
- Vice President of Alabama Chinese Language Teachers Association. 2013-2016
- Membership: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
- Membership: National Chinese Language Teachers Association (CLTA)
- Life-time membership: Alabama Chinese Language Teachers Association (ACLTA)
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Student Groups
- Advisor of the Chinese Society.
- Advisor of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association