What a great article. As an ex English and Shorthand Teacher can certainly relate with article. I was a teacher years ago at a business college (students straight out of school system) teaching shorthand, typing and bookkeeping. It quickly became evident to me that students were having problems with the English part of exam papers including transposing Shorthand from free dictation. Some cultures don't have an "r" sounding word in their language. In order to assist students I offered any student who required assistance in shorthand, english or spelling a "free lunch" session five days per week, bring your lunch and books and let's have some fun learning was my motto - offer open to any student requiring assistance. I expected two pupils in my first lesson. My classroom was "full" of my students plus students not in my class - who wanted to give up their lunch break. I was soooo moved at attendance to ask the question what did they want most from me to assist them.......their response being to a "t" we would luv you to teach us all the rules of english grammar that we weren't taught in school...... all exams conducted by this college being - external. In essence my lessons were successful. All students graduated. The moral of this story.
1. Students wanted to learn from a friendly teacher who knew she had their best interests at heart.
2. Students acknowledging they had a lacking in skills from high school in order to pass external exams in a Business College environment.
3. Students giving up "free" lunch time with eating lunch in classroom whilst continuing to learn.
4. Principal wanting to know why so many students in classroom - thinking detention. Until person was advised students chose to attend lesson on English etc.
5. All students graduated.
6. PRICELESS - better than winning lotto.
The year late 70's - what has changed in teaching grammar, spelling, phoenitics in schools today, obviously - nothing.