Ouachita Stories

Ouachita’s Daniel and Betty Jo Grant Center for International Education sponsored an eight-hour English as a Foreign Language (EFL) workshop April 9-10. The workshop, led by guest instructor Kendale Moore, was specifically intended to equip students with the ability to teach English in international settings.

“Many students go abroad on mission trips each summer, and several of our graduates are currently planning to go to other countries to teach English,” said Sharon Cosh, Ouachita’s English as a Second Language (ESL) coordinator. “Over the past two semesters, I have had several students request instruction as to how to teach ESL/EFL, so it was time to offer this workshop.”

Moore, who serves on the staff of the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board as the literacy missions and refugee ministry consultant, has been involved in training and writing materials for volunteers in local churches around the nation for 30 years. His work involves equipping volunteers with the skills to share their faith through teaching ESL or EFL.

“The best part of the workshop was learning from Mr. Moore's many insights from firsthand experience,” said Stephanie Beck, a junior French major from Sheridan, Ark. “He showed us and let us practice his teaching methods in ways that really helped us understand the difficulties students will have in learning English as a foreign language. Mr. Moore did an excellent job of training and encouraging us as future teachers.”

Many of the 38 participants had been a part of Ouachita’s Tiger Serve Day early Saturday morning, doing projects for members of the community. Even with their full schedules, they said Moore’s enthusiastic instruction kept them all eagerly engaged in the workshop.

The students learned multiple teaching methods by personally taking part in the activities. Several teaching methods and activities were taught, such as giving and receiving directions and explanations to someone speaking another language.

“I really enjoyed playing the role of the ‘non-English speaking student,’ said Laura Sikes, a junior communication science and disorder major from Greenbrier, Ark. “I was able to see what the easiest way to learn is, the best way to have fun and the most effective way to keep the students comfortable.”

“It was a truly worthwhile event for all involved, especially for those students who are planning to travel abroad on mission trips or live abroad for extended periods of time once they graduate this year,” Cosh said.

For more information about Ouachita’s ESL program, contact Sharon Cosh at [email protected] or (870) 245-5311.

By Rebecca Stone