]The hosts discuss the research papers and studies that show the effectiveness of extensive reading in different settings and its impact on language learning gains.The story of Willie Renandya [00:07:41]Willie Renandya, the author of the paper, shares his personal story of using extensive reading to learn English and how it drastically improved his proficiency.The impact of extensive reading on language acquisition [00:10:35]Discussion on the differences between extensive reading in English and Chinese, and the importance of starting with simpler materials.The benefits of extensive reading on academic performance [00:13:57]Exploration of a research project in Fiji that showed how extensive reading improved reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills, and even had positive effects on math and other subjects.The effectiveness of extensive reading for remedial students [00:17:19]Overview of a study with 7th grade remedial students that demonstrated the significant reading gains achieved through extensive reading, even with limited quality and quantity of reading materials.The students' impressive English scores [00:20:38]Discussion about high English test scores among Japanese students, even the lowest scoring students are in the top 25%.Success stories of extensive reading [00:21:40]Examples of students who improved their English proficiency through extensive reading, reading millions of words within a year or two.Grant Brown's success with extensive reading in the classroom [00:24:37]Grant Brown, a high school teacher, improved his Chinese class pass rate from 50% to 100% by incorporating extensive reading into the curriculum.The Maotai Coffee [00:30:41]Discussion about a friend's experiment mixing baijiu and hangzhou liquor with different drinks and the introduction of Maotai coffee.Intro to Historical Chinese Geography [00:31:48]Recommendation of a YouTube video that provides insights into ancient and modern Chinese history through the lens of geography.Learning Chinese as a Life Experience [00:33:17]Guest Sarah Reinstein shares her journey of learning Mandarin, how it opened up unique opportunities, and her memorable experiences speaking Mandarin with a famous Taiwanese singer-songwriter.Jay Chou Encounter [00:41:17]Sarah talks about meeting Jay Chou on her college campus and speaking Mandarin with him and his crew.Singing for Jay Chou [00:42:16]Sarah shares her experience of telling Jay Chou her favorite song of his in Mandarin and being asked to sing it in front of him.Embarrassing Mandarin Moments [00:45:05]Sarah recounts funny and embarrassing moments speaking Mandarin, including getting trolled by a restaurant owner and mistaken as a couple with her friend Nick.Connecting with Mandarin-speaking couple [00:50:40]Sarah recounts an experience of helping a Mandarin-speaking couple in LA with directions.Using Mandarin in everyday situations [00:51:33]Sarah talks about using Mandarin in practical scenarios like using Mandarin GPS or speaking with coworkers.The value of reading in Mandarin [00:57:59]Sarah emphasizes the importance of reading in Mandarin for language learning and comprehension.The importance of not treating learning Chinese as impossible [01:01:25]Discussion about how learning Chinese, like any language, has its challenges but should not be treated as impossible.Advice for starting to learn Chinese [01:01:54]Sarah gives two pieces of advice for beginners: finding a supportive teacher and exploring different tools and methods for learning Mandarin.Overcoming fear and shame when speaking Mandarin [01:03:08]Sarah emphasizes the need to be shameless and not worry about making mistakes or sounding silly when speaking Mandarin, as native speakers are usually forgiving.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.