{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Chalk and Code","title":"Redesigning Mandarin Learning: How hihilulu Connects Pedagogy, Technology, and Classroom Practice","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2303,"description":"In this episode of Chalk and Code, Jennifer Huang, Founder and CEO at hihilulu, joins us to explore why so many young learners struggle with Mandarin — and what changes when instruction is redesigned around the true structure of the language.\nFrom character-first literacy to dualism pedagogy, Jennifer shares how hihilulu builds learning experiences that respect how children develop reading, writing, and pronunciation skills. She also reflects on her journey operating an international edtech company across France, China, the U.S., and emerging markets, and what it takes to align pedagogy with technology at scale.\nIf you care about creating meaningful language learning that reduces cognitive load, supports teachers, and adapts to diverse school environments, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiration for today’s edtech and learning leaders.\nKey Moments\n01:35 Why traditional Mandarin instruction overwhelms young learners\n05:10 How a character-first approach strengthens literacy\n09:00 What dualism pedagogy means in practice\n12:40 Why tones and characters should be learned separately\n18:00 Building hihilulu Academy and training teachers worldwide\n20:55 Why teacher readiness determines implementation success\n23:40 Challenges of B2B school sales and long adoption cycles\n25:45 Expanding an edtech platform across multiple global markets\n28:50 Navigating regulatory differences country by country\n31:30 Funding the mission through grants, accelerators, and private investors\n35:20 Why resilience and passion are essential for edtech founders\n38:40 How to connect with Jennifer\nWhy You’ll Love This Episode\nThis episode dives into what makes Mandarin learning truly effective — not more complexity, but a clearer entry point.\nYou’ll hear how Jennifer Huang and hihilulu design a learning model that:\nSimplifies literacy through component-based character learning\n- Reduces overload by separating tones, characters, and writing\n- Supports teachers with training,...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/3axgf2SSmiMFxyolDWwFFSNcakWI6mxP4Mv3QdmXP4A/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80Zjhk/Y2I1ODg2MjlhZTQx/OWYyM2Q2NzFlYjBl/ZGE1ZS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}