Nearly every time I've been in a class that reads literature, whether in college or high school, there is the same introduction to the material. Even though I am an avid reader, the introduction that the professor, or teacher, gives on the text is usually boring to me. It is expected for the instructor to name the time period when the work was written and also the time period of when the work is supposed to take place. Then the instructor would explain biographical information about the author. After the 'background information' is given an outline of the basic plot is discussed. This way of introducing a novel sets students up to be bored. Students want the text to be alive. They want to be engaged in the material, it is the teachers job to get them motivated to do so.
I enjoyed how Mr. Davidson introduced The Diary of Anne Frank in the text because it got students thinking critically right away. The students were complaining about the questions being difficult to read yet they were interested. I think the activity promoted motivation and engagement in the classroom as well as active participation from the entire class. This activity will be one that I remember when I am teaching because it is an excellent way to introduce a text.
Fully agree with Tiffany. I feel like I am getting the same information from every professor in a different format and I am learning as much as I could be. I do like the examples in this chapter because of the real life situations that I can learn from and model in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteTiffany, I agree with you regarding the strategy that Mr. Davidson used. The students were complaining yet they were eager to know if there was a right or wrong answer. Mr. Davidson was able to create the idea that the book was about moral and ethical decisions and life isn't always black and white. The students' thoughts were interesting and personal. Everyone seemed to be able to make a personal connection to what Mr. Davidson was trying to accomplish.
ReplyDeleteTiffany I also agree with you. I remember myself when began reading. If a teacher didn't activate my prior knowledge about a new text, I would shutdown and kind of block the text out for the rest of the reading. Teachers have to keep students involved and help students understand text in a fun and motivating way.
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