LETTER: Chemistry Frustration

Dear Editor,

Frustration! I guess in one word, that is how I feel about the chemistry program right now. Chemistry doesn’t come easy to me or a lot of people I know. But with the proper instruction I am able to learn it and succeed. My chemistry professor is most likely a genius, with a great knowledge of chemistry, and she definitely knows what she is doing. Here’s the problem: English is her second language. If she mastered the English language the way she has mastered chemistry, there would be no issue, but that is not the case. Chemistry is a very technical discipline, requiring technical teaching methods and various ways of explaining and teaching. Without an absolute grasp on the English language it is difficult to customize teaching methods to the individual needs in the classroom. I have had the opportunity to learn another language, and also teach that language. I know how it feels to not be able to get a point across because of a lack of vocabulary or grammar skills. At the beginning of the semester I was a little disheartened thinking that I would have to deal with this for the rest of the semester. Due to the fact that my chemistry class requires a recitation there was still some hope that I could receive some much-needed help from an individual with good English skills. Surprisingly enough, the instructor of the recitation has fewer English capabilities than the chemistry professor. Now where do I turn?! I have nothing against foreign students or faculty. In fact, I very much look up to them. In a way I have experienced the same thing. Being thrown into a new and different culture and trying to receive and education is not easy. Many of us would quickly shy away from that sort of challenge. The university’s mission is three-fold: teaching, research and service. I fear this great university will fail one of its missions by not utilizing professors, foreign or not, who have a complete grasp on the language in which we are all learning.

Ryan Noel