Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - In the communist country of China, it is mandatory that children start to learn the English language in the fourth grade. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is helping to make this possible by providing English professors to teach approximately 36 Chinese students. These students already hold a bachelor's degree in English and are employed teachers in their home country.

UWP and the South Central University for Nationalities in Wuhan, China, signed an agreement initiating a master's program in English in July 2002.

Professors start here at UWP by working on-line with the Chinese students. Carol Sue Butts, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs said, "Dr. Gwen Coe worked with her students for approximately two months prior to flying over to China and spending two to three weeks of hands-on work with the students. Chinese students are required to spend their last semester in this country, but only about 15 out of the 36 students will be able to afford to come to Platteville."

Butts most recent trip to Wuhan found the Chinese people loving westerners and possessing a wonderful entrepreneurial spirit. China is a nation of contrast and a country on the move. New development exists on many corners with work taking place around the clock. Much work is still done by hand. On a trip into the countryside one might see water buffalo pulling plows in the rice fields.

Since July 2002 and the beginning of this program Butts said, "We have learned a tremendous amount and have changed some of our teaching methods because of cultural differences, and they have learned as much from us about teaching English."

During Christmas break, Drs. Rea Kirk and Laura Anderson will be spending their time working with these enthusiastic people. In June Chancellor David Markee will be going to Wuhan to participate in the master's degree ceremonies of hooding, and extend diplomas to the first graduates of this program.

China pays for all aspects of this program. UWP professors and tutors get a salary, their transportation, materials and housing completely paid. The Chinese students pay their tuition and trip to UWP, which can be very expensive for these third world people. To be involved in a total cost recovery program is a true advantage to UWP, teachers and students.

"We feel we're offering humanitarian involvement and this opportunity is wonderful for our faculty," concluded Butts.