The ESL (English as a Second Language) lab opened at San Jose City College nearly nine years ago. The hub, designated for aiding students who face difficulties from having English as a second language, is open to all individuals seeking assistance from qualified coordinators.
“We are so proud of our ESL lab and faculty,” said Novella Somonson, an ESL instructor. “We have 30 new computers for the fall semester and new software that is state of the art. Each year, the software gets updated for the new semester.”
Students can set up conferences with instructors about their assignments whenever they need it. She said students take advantage of this free aid by also sharing with friends in their home country.
The center is on the first floor of the Cesar Chavez Library and is generally busy during school hours. The area is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students are stationed at computers and guided by instructors. “(The lab) is very good; the best lab I have ever seen,” said Thinh Duc Tran, 48. “My friend at Mission college says the school does not have a lab and staff like this (at SJCC). Friends I know in other colleges have to get private staff. I know I can get help from here.”
However, to mitigate the unique circumstances of time and busy schedules, facilitators developed a Web site: www.ESLstation.net.
“Of the 160 community colleges (in California), SJCC’s Web site is absolutely the best,” Somonson said. Many students from other colleges visit this Web site for aid.
“I can learn English better through the exercises, like grammar. Everyone is nice here,” said Minh Thu Phan, 28, who majors in business.
Somonson praised Kathy Hanson, the ESL director, and said she has not received the proper recognition for her efforts in making this program.
“The ESL hub is very busy, which is why students use the online Web site,” Hanson said. “Students can get credit for using the lab by using all the software programs online. Students come to get help with their writing, grammar, idioms ... every skill.”
Hanson said the site has received more than 670,000 views since its creation in 2002.
“Ms. Hanson’s work in our ESL lab is instrumental to its success,” said Dr. Michael Burke, president of San Jose City College. “Our ESL students could not have a stronger advocate and I admire the diligence she applies to her work and her commitment to our ESL students.”
The ESL lab and its faculty are available for all students. With these accommodations, students are accessible to all of their ESL requirements.