Humor is key to classroom

She’s taught English to primary students in Papua New Guinea and to bankers in Rotterdam, but Language and Communication teacher Jane Edwards, 57, says the UT is her dream job.

Born in New Zealand, Edwards never meant to travel around the world teaching English. ‘I thought I would marry, settle down, and have babies,’ she confessed one afternoon in her sunny Vrijhof office. ‘But during my travels, I learned so much. I will never forget the time I spent in Egypt. It was 1977, and crowds would hang off Cairo’s buses while other people would run alongside to jump on. What impressed me was how someone would always reach out and help a stranger onto the bus. Generosity in the Middle East is quite unique.’

Edwards, who has more than 30 years experience teaching English as a foreign language, has given academic writing courses at the UT since 2004 and joined the TaalCoördinatiePunt (TCP) Language Centre two years ago. She assesses English language skills and tutors academics, support staff, and students. ‘It’s fantastic,’ said Edwards. ‘My job of observing lecturers lets me learn about all these fascinating topics. For example, I attended lectures on the Design of Biomedical Equipment, IT in Developing Countries, and Packaging Design and Management.’

It can be stressful for staff when their English is assessed in groups or during lecture observations. ‘First, I try to put the person at ease,’ said Edwards. ‘I explain the process, what I hope to achieve, and remind them that we offer language support. I’m really there to help, not just to judge. Together we try to see what the individual might need and what we can offer them in the way of language assistance.’

Last year, more than 250 students, faculty, and support staff passed through Edwards’ hands, either in the classroom or through the assessment process. The majority were Dutch, which Edwards speaks fluently (although she doesn’t think so). ‘Humor breaks down fear,’ she said smiling. ‘Dutch people have a good sense of humor. I try to create an environment where their humor can be expressed—in English, of course!’

It seems, at times, that Edwards is, not only a teacher, but a student of life. When asked about her experience at the Adult Migrant English Service in Sydney, Australia, Edwards replied, ‘That was unique because more than 100,000 migrants a year attended our full time programs. I learned that everyone comes in with prior learning experiences, both positive and negative. Everyone has their own story and you have to treat everyone equally and with respect. In addition, the programs had to be both efficient and effective.’

Edwards left her job as a curriculum consultant in Sydney to come to the Netherlands. ‘When teaching I try to remain open and flexible to the magic that can happen in a classroom. As I grow older, I am hopefully becoming wiser and more compassionate, which I hope I bring into my teaching.’

‘I love working on the UT campus,’ she continued. ‘There’s a great balance because I’m able to teach both academics and support staff. The work is stimulating, interesting, and all my participants are highly motivated and committed. It’s really a privilege to do this.’

When asked if she could offer any tips for English learners, Edwards suggested, ‘In order to write well, students need to learn to read critically. Students also need to think beyond grammar and vocabulary and learn how to structure their texts to weigh their message. Coming to our courses would definitely help. To speak well, lecturers often need to slow down. As for presentations, visuals need to support your message to allow international students to follow.  Just as bad science can’t be made good by linguistic packaging, good science can become lost in poor communication skills.’

You might have caught a glimpse of Edwards on screen with Kate Winslet (star of Titanic) in Holy Smoke which was filmed on site in India. ‘I am not an actress!’ Edwards insisted. ‘I’m a friend of the director and she offered me a small part in the film. I was so intimidated by Winslet and the film crew that I kept blowing my lines. The best part was actually the food; movie catering is fabulous.’

An amateur chef herself, Edwards enjoys cooking, gardening and biking in her spare time. ‘Just give me a piece of chicken and I can take it to any continent! I do fusion cooking,’ she said laughing. ‘Although there are times when it becomes confusion cooking.’

Edwards is married to ITC geochemist Boudewijn de Smeth whom she met in India. She has a daughter Miranda, who is 26 and an artist in London. ‘I love the open spaces here in Twente, mainly because I dislike how overcrowded the Netherlands is in general. We have a little holiday house in the Veluwe and I love going there. We have no electricity and we pump our own water. There the deer and wild boar roam free. It’s a special place.’

Edwards poses in front of a painting that she borrowed from the UT lending library. ‘I’m grateful for the Cultural Department at the UT and try never to miss Monday’s noon performances in the Vrijhof.’ (Photo: Gijs van Ouwerkerk)