Different Locks Must Be Opened with Different Keys : Using Chinese Proverbs for Teaching Finance to Chinese-Speaking Students

This paper suggests the use of Chinese proverbs in the teaching of finance to Chinese-speaking students. Familiar proverbs facilitate teaching to Chinese students by appealing to students' prior knowledge, improving retention of new material, and creating a friendlier classroom environment. Using Chinese proverbs in finance instruction also benefits North American students by promoting the understanding of Chinese culture. This paper presents thirty-six financial concepts accompanied by related Chinese proverbs. Strategies for the effective use of Chinese proverbs in the classroom are suggested as well