Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Organizations

OCU TESOL CLUB

The Oklahoma City University Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Club, which began as the TESOL Student Association in 1993 and formed into its current version as the TESOL Club in 1999, follows in the tradition of such high level student organizations as the International Student Association in promoting peace, diversity, and greater cultural awareness at OCU. TESOL Club members participate in a variety of activities in cooperation with other OCU organizations throughout campus. These activities range from peer tutoring at OCU to volunteering their services throughout the community. Currently there are about seventy-five active members in TESOL club. These members are a reflection of OCU's diverse campus as they come from a variety of countries including Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, Ghana, South Africa, Lebanon, United Kingdom and America to participate in learning how to teach English to speakers of other languages who need it throughout the world. In addition, TESOL Club acts as a vehicle for making international friendships to last a lifetime.

During the 2006-2007 school year, TESOL members have enjoyed themselves through a variety of activities. The beginning of the new school year and the election of new officers were celebrated with a pizza feast and the welcoming of new TESOL members. Our new president, CJ, immediately initiated the Debate Club, an activity that was held on a bi-weekly basis during Fall 2006 semester for TESOL members and other international students on campus to meet and discuss important issues such as capital punishment, Bilingual Education, and North Korea. This gave students the opportunity to practice their English, share their ideas in an organized manner, and get to know each other. TESOL Club also held a picnic during the fall and played host to several FAA students from Ecuador. During Fall 2006 finals week, we de-stressed with another pizza bash where we said goodbye to some of our members who graduated and were returning to their countries or going elsewhere. We also held a couple post-graduation parties. It’s always sad to say farewell to our TESOL family members.

Fortunately, Spring 2007 generated many new TESOL Club members. We welcomed them with a slideshow, introductions of our officers and new members, and of course, pizza. A fun Friday night of bowling was attended by a few who were able to participate despite the stormy weather of late March. We are currently planning a cultural presentation for students to share different aspects of their cultures such as food, clothing, and fine arts with the OCU community. Naturally, there will also be another graduation party as many of our friends will be completing their studies this semester.

In addition to our normal club activities, TESOL members also have the opportunity to attend state and national TESOL conferences. These are wonderful opportunities to learn about important issues in TESOL. Many students participated in the fall OKTESOL Conference in Oklahoma City where our professors and even one of our classmates presented on TESOL topics. More students are preparing to present at Oklahoma’s Spring Fling. Some members were also fortunate enough to go to the Annual TESOL Convention that was held in Seattle, Washington in March 2007.

Because TESOL is a service-oriented profession, TESOL students have found many ways to serve in the community . Some volunteered at the Fall OKTESOL Conference and helped board members with check-in, preparing packets, and helping to make the event flow smoothly. Many have also volunteered throughout the school year at a local elementary school with a high population of Hispanic students, helping children learn to read and improve their English.

Our club officers and board members make a great effort to help students feel part of a family here at OCU. We are also trying to integrate ourselves more into the OCU community by associating with other clubs on campus. This year we have participated in several activities with SOEA, the OCU’s chapter of the Student Oklahoma Education Association. There is currently no fee to join TESOL Club. If you have any questions or would like to become a member and be added to our mailing list, please contact TESOL Club President, CJ Park, or any of the club officers. Their information is provided below.


2006-2007
TESOL Club Officers:

President: CJ Park

Vice President: Vincent Wei

Vice President: Joni Lopez

Treasurer: Ann Chiang

Past President: Hideki Goya