Great Moments in TEFL History, Part 1

My first exposure, and likely most people's first exposure, to the concept of teaching English as a foreign language was in the 1981 film STRIPES, starring Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, PJ Soles, et al.

Bill Murray plays John Winger, the hero, a lazy and disaffected cab driver who decides to join the Army after his (inordinately hot) girlfriend leaves him. Hilarity ensues, of course.

His best friend, Russel, played by Harold Ramis, is actually a teacher of English to recent immigrants. In an early scene, we see him teaching his students the lyrics to "Da Do Ron Ron Ron".

Shockingly, an entire fifteen minutes of searching on Google failed to turn up any video clips of this, so you'll just have to learn to use your imagination.

I did, however, find this transcript of the film's second scene with Russel's class:

[when Russell is teaching English class]

Russell Ziskey: Okay, I know you're anxious to jump right in and start speaking English, but there's a couple of things I need to know first, because I've never done this before. So, how many of you would say you speak English fairly well, but with some difficulties?

[pause]

Russell Ziskey: A little English?

[a man raises his hand]

Russell Ziskey: Yes? You speak some English?

Man learning English: Son of bitch. Shit.

Class: [in unison] Son of bitch. Shit.

And my life was destined never to be the same.