제 12 호 Prof. Denny’s Lifelong Education Class
Kicker: SM NEWS
Prof. Denny’s Lifelong Education Class
By Sol-Hyang Park, Editor-in-chief
Sangmyung University's Lifelong Education Center has been providing lifelong education for community residents who live near our university. In particular, Professor Samuel Alexander Denny, Jr's Lifelong English Education class has been steadily conducted face-to-face for over 10 years, even in the midst of the Corona Pandemic. Thankfully to the professor and students, I attended this class for a while and was able to cover the scene.
I briefly attended a class starting at 10 a.m. in M112 and conducted interviews. The class usually runs twice a week from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and on that day, there were about seven students in their 40-50s. Before the class began, they exchanged cookies and other snacks as if they were used to it. They also had small conversations with the professor about how they have been doing or Netflix dramas. In the atmosphere full of laughter, the class was held.
The class started with full of joy and laughter.
As they studied an English book and articles, they took notes themselves and did not hesitate to ask questions and answer in English. They continued natural English conversations based on the contents of the class.
During the break in the middle of class, I was able to interview Professor Samuel Denny and some of the students.
Interview with Prof. Denny
1. How long have you been running this class?
- It has been well over 10 years. I’ve been studying with these class members for such a long time, and that’s why this class is like my Korean family, not just a regular class.
2. What kind of contents do you usually teach?
- Firstly, we study based on the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul”, which is a famous self-help book. After the break, we study news articles from the Korea Times, or New York Times, etc. I try to select articles that are related to the students’ lives such as about traveling, food, health, etc. It’s because we’re here to share our stories, learn about each other, and improve our life quality.
A part of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" & An article that the professor selected that day
3. Are there any moments when you feel rewarded or proud while doing lifelong education?
- Every class I feel this way. I love this class so much. The students give me a lot of support and encouragement in my life in Korea. I believe teaching is a two-way street. Teachers give a lot, and students give back a lot. For me, this class is a wonderful example. I get so much back from my students, and I’m always super proud of them.
4. What is the big difference between the lifelong education class and the general classes you teach with university students?
- In classes with university students, we inevitably feel pressure of time and tests. Whereas, in this class, we don’t have to worry about them. If we want, we can have deeper discussions, spending more time. In some ways, I feel more freedom to be able to discuss the issues more deeply.
5. Please tell us what you think the importance of lifelong education.
- As we age, we need to exercise our mind to stay mentally active. For example, learning a foreign language is good for brain health, and preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia. Like this learning keeps motivating us, and it should never end. Furthermore, considering the aging society in Korea, lifelong education will be more needed and expanded not just for learning English but in fields like art, music etc.
Interview with Students
Thankfully, I could interview two students of the class. I gathered two answers for the same questions.
1. How did you come to take this class?
- I came here with the introduction of my friend. / I took several classes at other educational & cultural centers, and I settled in this class because I like the professors so much, especially Prof. Denny.
2. What are you satisfied with about this class?
- Since we are old, it is difficult to speak in English with friends at the right level. However, it is good to freely meet friends of the right level and talk in English here. The professor is also wonderful, so I am very grateful for the class. / Through the book, we can learn many expressions for daily conversations. Also, we can study hot topics about current issues that fit our level. The materials are very helpful in many ways.
3. Is there anything you want more from Sangmyung University’s lifelong education classes?
- I’m satisfied enough, but I want to improve my English skills and have classes with a higher level in the future. / Since there is a high demand for the humanities, I hope there will be more diverse humanities classes offered. For example, it would be nice to learn history in English.
The Professors and students in this class have enjoyed special days by singing carols on Christmas or having Halloween parties etc. They also said they often have lunch together. Through this class, they have been communicating with a strong bond.
The professor and students have been steadily connected for a long time.
Like the professor said, such lifelong education will become more important in the future. I hope lifelong education will become more diverse so that more elderly people can feel the joy of learning and stay mentally healthy.
Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to those who allowed me to attend the class and have interviews.
