A monthly student newsletter entitled “The Globe” was introduced into the syllabus of an ESL 33B class this semester, with the hopes of bettering communication skills of students who speak English as a second language.The content of the newsletter is composed of essays, opinion pieces, interviews and articles written entirely by ESL students.
The newsletter presents itself to all ESL students as a chance to publish their ideas and inform other ESL students about their country of origin, their culture, their new lives in the U.S. – including their struggles and accomplishments.
“The newsletter gives students the opportunity to strengthen their language skills while also helping them foster a sense of identity,” said professor Paulette Koubek-Yao, originator of the newsletter.
“The Globe” was funded through a grant from the PCC Foundation for the whole year.
Professor Koubek last included the newsletter in her teachings at New Jersey in 1996. At that time, the newsletter was comprised only of essays from outstanding ESL students and Koubek and another instructor would do the editing and layout. Now, the students take those responsibilities.
“The Globe” is set up for students to exchange roles in the production process as either a journalist, an editor or as part of the layout team.
The newsletter as a chance for ESL students to benefit from “working in groups, cooperation and helping each other.”
Twice a month Koubek and the newsletter staff meet after lecture in the D301 computer lab for the second half of their class time. The atmosphere in the lab is busy and pleasant at the same time.
All participants in the newsletters take the project seriously and do their best, while having fun.
Most of the staff agrees that the most difficult aspect in the production of the first issue was meeting the deadlines.
Karen Ui, 19, business major, and journalist, noted a positive outcome of working around deadlines: “If you do your job, you know you can rely on other people [to do theirs].”
Song Lee, 21, accounting major, and layout team member, sees the logic in how the newsletter advances their language skills: “You have got to be able to read and write. and edit articles.”
A plus about this project is that ESL students become capable of using Microsoft Publisher, the software used to produce “The Globe.” All computer labs on campus carry that software, allowing them to dedicate time outside of class to the newsletter.
Due to lack of funds Koubek could not purchase a more advanced software called Adobe PageMaker.
About 1150 copies of “The Globe” are printed each issue and distributed solely amongst the ESL students and faculty at PCC. There are three publications of The Globe for the entire semester.
It is not yet known whether the newsletter will be continued for next year. “It depends on funding,” said Koubek. “[‘The Globe’ is] something different from the normal routine of an [ESL] class. and gives students a real chance to shine.
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