Academic Decathlon Coach’s Clinic held December 2, 2006

On Saturday, December 2, 2006, several Center for Asian Research faculty members participated in an ASU sponsored Academic Decathlon Coach’s Clinic held in Murdock Hall. The Clinic, which was attended by more than 300 students and coaches from high schools throughout the state, provided information the teams will use in their upcoming regional, state and national competitions.

Academic Decathlon is the premier scholastic competition for high school students whose purpose is to develop and provide academic competitions, curriculum, and assessment to promote learning and academic excellence through teamwork among students of all achievements. The competition is comprised of ten events. There are seven multiple-choice exams – one in each of the following subject areas: art, economics, language and literature, mathematics, music, social science and Super Quiz (science). The Super Quiz includes an oral relay portion in addition to the written exam. Students also take an essay exam and are judged in a speech and interview event. Each team consists of nine students from each school. In some cases, students take Academic Decathlon as a class, while others pursue it as an after-school activity.

This year, for the first time, the Academic Decathlon competition centers around one country – China and its influence. Because of complexity of the subject matter, the Center decided to offer its expertise to Anne Edelstein, Executive Director, Arizona Academic Decathlon. Building on the information contained in the coach’s handbook, ASU faculty provided detailed information to help the teams “fill in the blanks”. Dr. Douglas Webster, Professor of Economics in the School of Global Studies, presented on China’s urban centered transition in the 21st century, while Dr. Sybil Thornton, Associate Professor of History , discussed historical events that shaped contemporary China. Dr. John Zou, Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Languages and Literatures, gave the group a look at the history of Chinese poetry and its importance in Chinese Culture. The only non-ASU faculty member was Ms. Sherrell Miller, Master Docent from the Phoenix Art Museum, who presented on the art and culture of China. Dr. Mike Kuby, Associate Professor in the Geography Department, provided detailed information on the geography and climatology of China. The final presenter, Chen Liu, Ph.D. student in the Herberger College of Fine Arts, provided an in-depth discussion on Chinese musical traditions and ended her presentation by playing selections on the zheng, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument. Her performance was the highlight of the program.

The national competition will be held in Hawaii in April. Coaches and students expressed their appreciation for the assistance with their undertaking. As Anne Edelstein noted, “The students and coaches could not believe what ASU and the professors did for them. Each presentation was insightful and addressed the material that these students are studying…You made them feel this was worth it because all of you took time on a Saturday to help them out.”

Regional competitions will take place in early February, followed by State competition in March. Winners at all levels receive scholarship moneys to help them with their college education. We’re hoping the national winner is from Arizona!