Photo By Staff Sgt. Michael Dator | Kevin N. Lowry, a clarinet training noncommissioned officer with the 2nd Infantry...... read more read more
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UIIJEONGBU, South Korea – With pencils sharpened and pens poised for writing, they await their cue from their instructor for class to begin. Some of them are older professionals, while others look like recent college graduates. They each come from different backgrounds but have gathered tonight for one purpose: to improve their English skills.
More than eight local Koreans gathered at the Gyeonggi province office complex to learn English from a 2nd Infantry Division soldier, Feb. 16.
The Global English Conversation Class was a program started in 2007 as part of an initiative by the Korean and American Cooperation Section (a subset of the Gyeonggi province government) to help Koreans learn a new language, said Kim Chang-hoon, an officer with the Korean and American Cooperation Section.
In the class, American soldiers volunteer their time to teach English to Korean public service workers.
The program was designed to bridge the cultural gap between Korea and America, said Kim.
“We thought that it was important for 2nd ID soldiers and Gyeonggi province workers to meet,” he added.
“Doing this program, soldiers are able to interact with local public workers in the Gyeonggi province area and get a chance to learn Korean culture from its people,” he said. “In return, Korean public service workers are offered a chance to improve their English.”
Sgt. Kevin N. Lowry, the sole Global English Conversation Class instructor and clarinet training noncommissioned officer with the 2nd ID band, said teaching English gives him a chance to experience the Land of the Morning Calm on a more intimate level.
“I like learning and interacting with people from different cultures,” said Lowry, a native of Winston-Salem, N.C. “I gain more cultural awareness. I am able to meet new people and make new friends.”
Lowry said that he started teaching in May 2010.
“A former co-worker introduced me to the program,” Lowry said. “When it was almost time for him to leave Korea, he recommended that I take over for him.”
Lowry said his reasons for teaching are obvious.
“It’s been a blast for me. That’s the main reason why I keep doing it,” he said.
The lesson began with each student introducing him or herself to the rest of the class. Some student strained and stumbled over their words as they attempted to express themselves in a foreign tongue.
“This is the first class of the year for this group,” said Lowry. “People are a little nervous in the beginning.”
After introductions were made, Lowry commandeered the dry erase board and jumped into his planned lesson.
“This year I’m focusing my program on art, music and literature,” said Lowry. “During class we talk about these subjects and apply them to conversational skills.”
Each week, Lowry spends approximately two to three hours preparing for class. The classes are held every Wednesday between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
“My biggest challenge in teaching this course is being able to address students on different levels of English ability,” he said. “Some students are more advanced in their English skills than others.”
Lowry said he tried to cater his teaching style to accommodate all students and so far it’s worked out well.
For Jung Song-hwan, an elderly social case officer who works in the Gyeonggi province area, tonight was his first time attending the class.
“I like the way that Kevin (Lowry) teaches English,” said Jung. “He is very enthusiastic and easy going.”
Overall the experience is good for relationships between Korea and America, he said.
As Lowry’s class came to an end, he played the song “As Soon As I Hang Up the Phone,” by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty for students to reflect on.
Although the class may be over for tonight, Lowry said he will continue to teach until he leaves Korea next year.
“I’m their teacher, but I’m also a soldier,” Lowry said. “By teaching this class, I think it shows some of the good things American soldiers have to offer.”
“That’s one of the main reasons why I do this,” he said with a smile.
| Date Taken: | 02.16.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.27.2011 20:59 |
| Story ID: | 66173 |
| Location: | UIIJEONGBU, 26, KR |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 2nd ID soldier experiences new culture through teaching English, by SSG Michael Dator, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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