I'm Back!
Yes, it's true, I'm back. In several ways this is accurate- I'm back in Spokane after seeing all of you over Thanksgiving; I'm back doing the blog after way too much time away from it; and I'm back doing my regular posts of cool ideas I have. The Nano...well, I'm going to finish it. But not in November- I just have had well too much else to deal with. But I've got nearly 30k, and that ain't not shabby. Okay, back to real English, too.Today's idea comes from a high school kid that I sat next to on the plane ride back to Spokane. I will always remember him because he shared his buffalo wings with me, and I never forget a meal. I was reading, and he asked me what the book was: I told him it was Paradise Lost, and that I had a paper due on it in two weeks (which is true, but that was the third time I've read it and it's one of my favorite English poems of all time) and that I had to have it read by then.
His reply interested me, mostly because it reminded me that no matter where I go or whom I'm with I always manage to get these deep discussions. Maybe it's just me. He said that he didn't like it when teachers force you to read books because you wouldn't get as much out of it as when you read on your own steam. That's certainly true- I know from my own experience of reading books that we later read in class. But then several questions arise. Should we just allow students to read whatever they want to read, no matter the lack of academic weight of the book? Or should we continue to educate in a way that hardens the student against our efforts?
One of the problems with reading in class is that it is read on a schedule. I know that there are often passages in books that I would like to spend extended periods of time on, but I usually don't, favoring reading the whole book quickly before going back and studying closely the more interesting bits. In a classroom setting this approach is not practical or even favorable if the basic premise is class coherency. If all students had one on one tutoring, this would be possible, but not as the education system is currently devised.
But we began with a question on the choice of books to be read. I find that much of the decision making process in answering this question relates to how the teacher or curriculum views the student: whether they see the student as passive or active in their education. Those who see students as empty jars waiting to be filled choose books irregardless of their student's wishes- they see themselves as knowing what is best for the student's education and plan their teaching around the best books. In the 17th century John Locke, in his essay on teaching, favored this approach to education, outlining a courseload that went without exception, teaching English, French, Latin, then Greek, all in thier turn. On the other hand, teachers who see their students as being actively involved in their education often allow more of a free reign. While this has the advantage of allowing the students to place their full attention on the work it often means that they aren't studying the highest caliber works. But that's the trade-off. Jacques Rousseau favored this method on the grounds that children who are forced into academia too early are spoilt by it, but he didn't really propose much else. It wasn't until John Dewey in the 20th century that this idea really blossomed.
But, some teachers still assign books, and I couldn't be happier. Mostly because their list and mine is about the same.
PL forever!
posted by Emmett @ 20:34
23 Comments:
I'm awake too late and I still need to do my J-homework. Erg. My problem is that when left to my own devices, I never read the books I mean to read. I'm just lazy. I need someone to beat me over the head once in awhile if I'm to accomplish anything.
I've probably read about ten books over just the past week. That may not be noteworthy in your experience, but for me that's great. I used to think these religious books would be boring or not applicable to me. However, I find that I am reading more now that I don't worry about a reading list. Even the 'boring' books have hidden treasures, so I'm getting more patient with those books.
Yeah for reading outside of class! I'm reading Sense and Sensibility right now, and loving it. Though I have to say, there is something to be said for reading books with a class. Yes, there are the rotten ends of the deal that Emmett mentioned, but there is also the fun of discussing it in a large group and exchanging ideas and feelings about the passages. Also, as a English teacher hopeful, I have to say, you're going to be tested on certain material, and it's a good idea to know which things you need to remember for the test. But ah, if students would only read because they wanted to...teaching would be so much easier and more enjoyable. For the students and the teacher.
Heh, you're already sounding like the teacher, Maren, whether you realize it or not. "But ah, if students would only read because they wanted to...teaching would be so much easier and more enjoyable."
sorry!
No, no, don't worry, I think it's funny. ;)
I never thought I would have an English teacher come out of my closer friends. Amazing.
You--what? Chris, where have you BEEN for the past three years? Maren's been heading that way forever! Heck, I'll probably end up majoring in English, too!
*smiles*
Yup...just standing here...waiting for people to realize this...but no, you all think I'm crazy....oh wait, I am! Hah! Oops.
Maybe, but I LIKE your crazy. Let the unbelievers (Chris) do as they will.
Verily, I do not believe!
I have refused the darkness for over three years, and I will not submit to the awful torment of my soul!
Paul too? AGHHH!!!!!!!
...none of this is new info, Chris.
Right, Emmett? (please agree with me or I'll bang my head on something and bleed all over the place)
How many times must I tell you: quit banging your head into things! Who am I, your mother?!
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I'll have a mini Drake and mini Coe trotting around before I know it! Remember Coe? Ah, English. Sudden outbursts of...sound.
I pity your children ;). In all seriousness I know you have both had an interest in it for a while. I can see the lure of a steady, less-stress job. It's a safe option, especially for those as highly qualified as yourselves in the brain power department. I would have taken either of you over Coe or Drake or...any of my English teachers. Maybe it was 9th grade that turned me off for good. Yeah, having an ex-pole dancer, beastly pre-Madonna whipping out the ol' prosthetic leg to beat a student is a turn off. Oh, and having her hit on the students...gag.
I'm sure Maren's students will love her. I'm just as sure Paul's will...respect him out of fear. Just kidding. They'll love him because he'll push them.
So is this final for you guys? No other choice? Is "decision" really in your terms list?
I'm going to be a monk.
Oh, and I knew English was the thing; I took creative writing with you, remember?
Yay! :) Not all males are hopeless!
You are, Paul. Male, that is.
Well maybe I'm hopeless. Just not the same way you are.
updateupdateupdatestupidtextupdateupdate
ditto Paul
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