Sept. 11 brought about many changes. At least one change is a positive result for the University.
This semester, English instructor Denise Jacobs-Johnson began promoting understanding between American and international students, because the two groups often do not get to interact.
Jacobs-Johnson teamed her composition class with English Language Orientation Program instructor Stacey Patton’s class for a service-learning atmosphere to benefit both groups of students.
“After Sept. 11, many traditionally Arab-looking students were threatened, and many were stereotyped as terrorists. [Patton and] I wanted our students to meet together socially and academically, so that these students would not feel so isolated,” Jacobs-Johnson said.
Many English students have not tapped into their critical writing abilities because of lack of life experience, Jacobs-Johnson said. She designed the class to remedy those factors.
American students gained cultural insights that were different from their own personal experiences, while ELOP students gained communication skills through writing and speaking exercises.
“The interaction between the two classes was awesome. This program should be used as a model for future classes,” said ELOP student Patricia Sanchez.
Music performance freshman Jackie Johnson enjoyed working with the international students.
“It gave us new perspectives and helped to dissipate stereotypes,” Johnson said.
This semester’s ELOP-English composition service-learning class came to an end with a graduation service Oct. 18 in the Union Atchafalaya Room.
Jaime Lobo, from the U.N. World Food Program, completed the ELOP program and addressed both sets of students.
“I am so happy to be able to improve my [English] skills in order to be more useful for the tasks I have to face,” Lobo said.
Many students who complete the ELOP program apply to the University.
“Students must take a standardized English proficiency test before enrolling in a U.S. college or university,” said ELOP instructor Margaret Jo Borland.
Jesus Prato, an ELOP graduate, said the class significantly improved his English skills. He plans to enroll at the University in the spring semester.
ELOP students invited members of the audience to join in Latin dancing to close out the graduation.
For questions and information about service-learning, contact Jan Shoemaker at 578-9264.