Word: classroomful
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...English is not necessarily internal to the subject matter. In an attempt to remedy this problem, the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning launched a pilot class in which TFs who are not native English speakers could learn skills to break the cultural and communication barriers in the classroom and, after its initial success, extended the program past its pilot period. Though this is a step in the right direction, Harvard should take further action to ensure that all TFs are proficient in written and spoken English language and American culture...
Undoubtedly, each employed TF has many years of expertise in his or her field and has much to offer Harvard students. It is thus extremely unfortunate that both the students’ and the TF’s classroom experiences are marred simply by a lack of communication. Though we often complain about what a frustrating experience this can be for students, the inability to communicate is often equally frustrating for the TF. The program at the Bok Center helps TFs develop oral communication skills and recognizes that communication barriers do not necessarily stem from a lack of understanding English...
These procedures are by no means a judgment of the value of a non-native, English-speaking TF in the classroom. In fact, we are extremely fortunate to have these TFs contributing to our education. They are simply thwarted by a communication problem for which there is a potential remedy. If measures are implemented to ensure all TFs have a thorough understanding of how to teach American students before entering the classroom, there will be more learned and less lost in translation...
...College to focus on educating its students in the art of public speaking. Because this skill is an essential component of success, regardless of one’s future profession, we hope that Harvard responds by increasing opportunities to acquire it, both in and out of the classroom...
Rather than merely forcing teachers to expend more hours in the classroom, smart school reform must center on reinforcing and rewarding high-quality and high-impact teaching. In the end, teachers who want to improve will benefit students the most...