Page 9 - CC Life 13 2015 Spring

Making the Link between
Learning and Life
Dr. Joseph Sorell
English Major Chairperson
In the English Major, we want to instill in
students a love of learning, but not just learning
for learning’s sake. They must apply that learning
to their lives. Learning is not passive. Application communication skills.
of learning begins in our courses. Christ’s College
English courses regularly require students to
present what they have learned or produced to the
class. In this issue, Ms. Chen describes the senior
drama course, in which students demonstrate their
mastery of spoken English, and their ability to
work cooperatively to tell a story.
English Major students typically study in one of
two major programs: TESOL, which trains them
to be English as a Second Language teachers,
or International Business Studies, which trains
students to be business people. Each of these
English Major programs includes activities through
which students can take their learning out into the
“real” world, where they represent Christ with
excellent skills and Christian values.
Early in their studies, TESOL students are
encouraged to volunteer as story tellers at our
local library where they share a love of reading
with young children. As Ms. Shih describes in her
article in this issue, the TESOL practicum places
students in an authentic teaching situation for an
entire school year.
The International Business Studies program
culminates in the Business Practicum courses
which are offered in the second semester of the
junior year, the first semester of the senior year, or
in the intervening summer break. Christ’s College
works with several international companies and
organizations to place students in positions where
they can utilize both their business and their
As early as the spring of their freshmen year,
all English Major students from both programs are
encouraged to participate in front-line positions
as associates at Computex, one of the largest
trade shows in the world. There they interact with
visitors from around the world as they represent
Taiwan and Christ’s College. In subsequent years,
many students advance into leadership roles and
into responsible positions with companies from
Taiwan and overseas.
Linking learning and application solidifies
the learning, and makes for a smooth transition
into their careers. In the English Major, teachers
are continually helping students look beyond the
textbook and the classroom activities to see their
own futures.