College students teach Latin
Kirsten Adams
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: News
Three years ago Joseph Garnjobst recruited a handful of his students to tutor in Hillsdale Preparatory School's Latin program, which he manages. This summer he may expand Hillsdale College's involvement into a Greek summer camp.
Garnjobst, assistant professor of classics, said he recently started discussing plans for the camp with Jeff Rowan, headmaster of Hillsdale Prep.
"We're jazzed about it," Rowan said. "We think it's a great opportunity to expose the community's children to ideas they might not otherwise be exposed to."
Garnjobst said the camp would focus on connections between Greek culture and history, math, science and the arts.
"Yes, it would be a Greek camp, but not necessarily the language," Garnjobst said, holding up a hefty copy of Euclid's "Elements."
As of now, plans for the camp depend on the level of interest among both Prep and college students. Since college students would run the camp on a volunteer basis, Garnjobst said their interest is especially important.
But they would benefit from the chance to teach younger students, he said.
"It definitely adds a new dimension to their own educational experience," he said.
Garnjobst said approximately nine college students participate in the Latin program. They teach basic Latin vocabulary to children in first through third grades, using flashcards and interactive games. From fourth grade on, Prep students study grammar and advanced vocabulary through textbook work and one-on-one instruction with the tutors.
Tara Doyle, a senior who has tutored Latin at Hillsdale Prep since her sophomore year, said the tutors play a significant role in the Prep students' educations.
"Part of the whole idea of a classical education is Latin, and we're the only Latin they get," she said.
She said she expects a high level of interest in the Greek camp, based on the students' attitudes toward Latin.
"You've always got those kids who want to learn," she said.
Rowan, a Hillsdale College alumnus himself, said such a camp would ultimately benefit both the students of Hillsdale Prep and the college students who would run it.
"We're continually looking for ways to stretch the minds of the students," Rowan said.
Garnjobst, assistant professor of classics, said he recently started discussing plans for the camp with Jeff Rowan, headmaster of Hillsdale Prep.
"We're jazzed about it," Rowan said. "We think it's a great opportunity to expose the community's children to ideas they might not otherwise be exposed to."
Garnjobst said the camp would focus on connections between Greek culture and history, math, science and the arts.
"Yes, it would be a Greek camp, but not necessarily the language," Garnjobst said, holding up a hefty copy of Euclid's "Elements."
As of now, plans for the camp depend on the level of interest among both Prep and college students. Since college students would run the camp on a volunteer basis, Garnjobst said their interest is especially important.
But they would benefit from the chance to teach younger students, he said.
"It definitely adds a new dimension to their own educational experience," he said.
Garnjobst said approximately nine college students participate in the Latin program. They teach basic Latin vocabulary to children in first through third grades, using flashcards and interactive games. From fourth grade on, Prep students study grammar and advanced vocabulary through textbook work and one-on-one instruction with the tutors.
Tara Doyle, a senior who has tutored Latin at Hillsdale Prep since her sophomore year, said the tutors play a significant role in the Prep students' educations.
"Part of the whole idea of a classical education is Latin, and we're the only Latin they get," she said.
She said she expects a high level of interest in the Greek camp, based on the students' attitudes toward Latin.
"You've always got those kids who want to learn," she said.
Rowan, a Hillsdale College alumnus himself, said such a camp would ultimately benefit both the students of Hillsdale Prep and the college students who would run it.
"We're continually looking for ways to stretch the minds of the students," Rowan said.
Be the first to comment on this story