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Learning from ConfuciusBookmark

Learning area: History
Year level: Year 7
Country: China
General capability:

This learning sequence explores the life and importance of Confucius. Through research, students examine the historical context of the achievements and significance of Confucius and how his sayings are relevant today.

Engage

Confucius was a Chinese teacher who lived from 551 to 479 BCE. His teachings and sayings have influenced Chinese society and beyond and are still referred to today.

  1. Watch the mini biography of Confucius below.



  2. Use the thinking routine, See–Think–Wonder, while watching this video:
    • See: What did you see in the video? This includes facts and new information as well as images.
    • Think: What do you think influenced Confucius to do the things he did? What motivated and guided him?
    • Wonder: What other questions do you have about this central figure in Chinese history and life?

Explore

  1. In groups of three, watch the video Discovering China – Confucius below.

    Each person in the group should use one of the following questions as the focus of their historical inquiry:
    • the social structure of China when Confucius lived
    • Confucius' life and achievements
    • how Confucius was perceived by his contemporaries.
  2. Further explore the life and times of Confucius by looking at Confucius from About.com's section on Asian History and Zhou Dynasty (c. 1050-256 BCE) from Asia for Educators. You can skim-read these pages or search for Confucius on them to find related information.
  3. Confucius is famous for his many wise sayings. Because the sayings are so popular, people often create more modern translations that are a little easier to understand even though they may not be completely accurate. So that you can explore the wisdom of Confucius, use the links below to complete the tasks. After reading and viewing the quotations, answer these questions:

    Confucius quotes – from World of Quotes

    • What would you say were the three to five things most important to Confucius?

    Confucius on Pinterest

    • Based on the popularity of some sayings, what do think people find most appealing about Confucius?
    • Which quotation do you like the most and why? How does it relate to your life?

Reflect

Confucius held many roles during his long life, but he was always a teacher. Based on what you have learnt about his life, times and sayings, reflect on the following:

  • What were the most important characteristics of Confucius' life in ancient China? In what ways can these apply to your life and our times?
  • Confucius said: 'To study and not think is a waste. To think and not study is dangerous.' What do you imagine he was saying about education and what do you think about this? Use examples from your life as evidence to support why you agree or disagree with him.

Discuss your responses as a class.

It is recommended that teachers preview websites and videos to ensure they are suitable for their students before they are used in class. Content accessed via these links is not owned or controlled by Asia Education Foundation and is subject to the terms of use of the associated website.

Acknowledgements

Videos: Confucius - Mini Biography by Biography.com; Discovering China - Confucius by NTDTV ‪‪ Standard YouTube Licence

Related resources

Australian Curriculum alignment

Learning area: History

Year level: Year 7

Country: China

Content descriptions:

The Asian world/China: The role of a significant individual in ancient Chinese history such as Confucius or Qin Shi Huang (ACDSEH132)

Explanation and communication: Develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations that use evidence from a range of sources that are acknowledged (ACHHS213)

Cross-curriculum priority: Asia and Australia's engagement with Asia

OI.1 The peoples and countries of Asia are diverse in ethnic background, traditions, cultures, belief systems and religions.
OI.3 The peoples and countries of Asia have contributed and continue to contribute to world history and human endeavour.

General capability: Intercultural understanding – Recognising culture and developing respect

Students develop intercultural understanding as they learn to value their own cultures, languages and beliefs, and those of others. They come to understand how personal, group and national identities are shaped, and the variable and changing nature of culture. The capability involves students in learning about and engaging with diverse cultures in ways that recognise commonalities and differences, create connections with others and cultivate mutual respect.

Acknowledgements

The Australian Curriculum alignment statement is based on the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) materials which are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Australia (CC BY NC SA) licence.

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