Fourteen students in an English Composition class at SUNY Fredonia have stumbled upon an opportunity to not only interact with students seated across the classroom — they’re getting to know some from across globe as well.
Phil Razem, a former SUNY Fredonia graduate student now teaching English to college students in the People’s Republic of China, enjoyed sharing his experiences with friends and family back home in Western New York so much that he decided to find a way to incorporate it into his classroom.
While corresponding with SUNY Fredonia English professor Bill Boerst, they decided to create a similar experience for their students by developing a modern day pen pal element to one of their courses.
Their students have volunteered to become “e-mail pals,” corresponding regularly with each other to learn about one another’s lives and cultures. So far, indications show that both sides are truly enjoying and benefiting from the experience.
Melissa Cummiskey, a freshman at SUNY Fredonia, said of her exchange, “I really enjoy learning about my e-mail pal’s college experiences, family, friends, and the events that are happening in her life.”
“America, to many Chinese (citizens), remains a place that only exists in their history books and through Hollywood movies,” said Professor Razem. “This experience will help them gain a better understanding of our country and, likewise, help young Americans gain a better understanding of the future of China.”
By the end of the semester, Fredonia students will hand-in what Professor Boerst calls “cycles” of emails: five printed pages each of e-mails from the U.S. students to their Chinese counterparts, as well as return correspondences from their e-mail pal.
“The opportunity to chat with a real American is worth a lifetime of ‘A’s,” Razem asserted.
Not only are the students learning about the other culture, there are some practical English lessons in it as well. One of those is the concept of understanding one’s audience.
“English teachers love to talk in terms of audience,” Professor Boerst said. “For whom are you writing? And how can you best reach that audience?” He says that, for these students. an audience is built into the project.
Both professors hope that this exchange will be a lesson not easily forgotten. “These days it is common to make light of texting, instant-messaging, and e-mailing, as if such pursuits lack depth,” Boerst added. “For these students, bridging miles and languages and customs may be a way to change that popular perception.”
To learn more about Professor Razem’s experiences in China go to the blog at www.philiprazeminchina.blogspot.com.
