Education adds new dimension
Essentials of grammar class to help students build strong foundations in the English language
Andy Buss
Issue date: 2/19/09 Section: News
In an effort to accommodate freshmen who enter college with a weak foundation in grammar and composition, Assistant Professor of English Daniel Coupland will teach an Essentials of Grammar class beginning in either the summer or fall.
"Students will study the eight parts of speech, sentence construction and punctuation," Coupland said in an e-mail to The Collegian. "Students will also learn about the role of grammar in a liberal arts education and develop some basic pedagogical strategies - including diagramming sentences - for teaching grammar."
English Department Chairman Michael Jordan said the education department will offer the class and will make it a requirement for all education students seeking certification, though students of any major can enroll.
"I think the general idea is that teachers should know these fundamental grammatical concepts and that would assist them in teaching students how to read and write," he said. "Much of this material used to be taught in eighth and ninth grades, but it's not taught now - it's been neglected."
Junior Hannah Barret, a student in the education program, said she missed out on receiving enough grammar guidance in her schooling.
"I think I had some in middle school," she said. "But I definitely wish I had more grammar practice earlier on to help my understanding of language."
Barret said she plans to teach elementary grades once she finishes the program. She expects the class to help her instruct young children.
"I think it's important," she said. "That's something our youth need to learn about."
Coupland said many schools looking to hire Hillsdale-educated teachers emphasize grammar. The course will also help fulfill certification requirements for teaching in Michigan.
"This grammar course will help our elementary education students meet new state standards for certification," Coupland said. "Hillsdale College is earning a good reputation from classical schools as a place to find talented teachers. Many of these schools focus on grammar in the elementary grades."
Coupland also said the course also contributes to the college's broader liberal arts vision.
"The education department is committed to preparing the best liberally-educated teachers in the country," he said. "We believe that this grammar course will be a part of making this happen."
"Students will study the eight parts of speech, sentence construction and punctuation," Coupland said in an e-mail to The Collegian. "Students will also learn about the role of grammar in a liberal arts education and develop some basic pedagogical strategies - including diagramming sentences - for teaching grammar."
English Department Chairman Michael Jordan said the education department will offer the class and will make it a requirement for all education students seeking certification, though students of any major can enroll.
"I think the general idea is that teachers should know these fundamental grammatical concepts and that would assist them in teaching students how to read and write," he said. "Much of this material used to be taught in eighth and ninth grades, but it's not taught now - it's been neglected."
Junior Hannah Barret, a student in the education program, said she missed out on receiving enough grammar guidance in her schooling.
"I think I had some in middle school," she said. "But I definitely wish I had more grammar practice earlier on to help my understanding of language."
Barret said she plans to teach elementary grades once she finishes the program. She expects the class to help her instruct young children.
"I think it's important," she said. "That's something our youth need to learn about."
Coupland said many schools looking to hire Hillsdale-educated teachers emphasize grammar. The course will also help fulfill certification requirements for teaching in Michigan.
"This grammar course will help our elementary education students meet new state standards for certification," Coupland said. "Hillsdale College is earning a good reputation from classical schools as a place to find talented teachers. Many of these schools focus on grammar in the elementary grades."
Coupland also said the course also contributes to the college's broader liberal arts vision.
"The education department is committed to preparing the best liberally-educated teachers in the country," he said. "We believe that this grammar course will be a part of making this happen."
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