Things i found interesting in this book thus far:
*many teachers are unfamiliar with new literary criticisms
and New Criticism is still the most prevelant
*it is important to find a way to make reading a rewarding
experience, not just a way to find answers
* p29- "'students must be free to deal with their reactions to the text,'
which also means that teachers should 'ask students what they see, feel, think
and remember as they read, encouraging them to attend to their own
experience of the text'"
*when experiencing trouble with or refusal of reading- focus on the individuals-
not just the class
* i also really liked the idea of a teacher-student contract as noted on pg13
I also agree with you that it is important to be familiar with new literary criticsms. New criticism is the most prevelant. I feel like alot of teachers sta with the same lesson plan for decades. Teachers should take in what they learn at various workshops and programs.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the idea of the teacher-student contract. I think it creates a nice understanding between the teacher and the student.
ReplyDeleteOn the idea of the new literary criticisms, do you have a favorite or a method you would like to bring into your classroom?
"'students must be free to deal with their reactions to the text..."
ReplyDeleteI liked this idea as well. I think that a student can make a better connection with the text if they are free to deal with their own reactions.
You brought up many important points from the text. As an elementary education major with a reading minor, it is very important to make reading a rewarding experience. This can be done by paying attention to students' interests and making reading so it is not a frustrating task. Also, when a student is struggling, it is important to focus on the individual like you said. Every student is unique and has different needs that may need different attention.
ReplyDeleteI definitely feel as if you picked out a lot of important things that Wilhelm touched on. I definitely agree with the idea that reading needs to be rewarding, otherwise there is a good chance the reader will see no point in finishing the text. As a teacher dealing with students that are unmotivated to read assigned texts will be a difficult part of our job, but as fellow blogger Cassie Shive stated encouragement is an important part of teaching; especially encouraging creativity.
ReplyDeletethis blog was great, short and to the point...
ReplyDeleteI appreciated this quote:
"'students must be free to deal with their reactions to the text,'
which also means that teachers should 'ask students what they see, feel, think
and remember as they read, encouraging them to attend to their own
experience of the text'"
I think you (and Wilhelm) are onto something here. Too many times as educators we teach to fulfill a component of our job, but not necessarily out of a duty or responsibility. We need to understand that in order for our students to gain knowledge and to really experience true literary freedom, we need to actively assist and guide them.
It's kind of like marriage counseling...you learn to know your students' needs and wants and then refocus your efforts towards meeting those needs and wants which then creates a whole new level of intimacy between you, the student, and the text.