As I was exploring the Literature
Network Forum this week, I came across an interesting discussion thread about
literature and education. The initial question posted in this thread was this: “Teachers,
is it still essential to teach the classics or should we be designing
curriculum around more modern literature that may be more relatable to students?”
I found this question to be both alarming and bias. The forum member who posted
this question seems to be attempting to justify teaching modern literature in place
of classics, which have earned a place in the literary cannon based on their
merit and timeless themes. I was more alarmed by the number of forum members
who were validating the notion to teach modern novels and non-fiction in place
of classic literature. After reading through the responses in this thread, I
decided that this would be where I would make my second post.
I
came across a response posted by a 12th grade English teacher, who
stated the following: “Over the years I have found that I have to present my
content matter to students in such a way that they care about it. My 12th
graders would zone out reading Hamlet
or Heart of Darkness so I decided to
stop teaching these works. This year I have had students reading novels like Life of Pi and Looking for Alaska. They have found these stories much easier to
relate to and their engagement level has been much higher…” This teacher went
on to state his or her thoughts about the way education is changing and that
because education is changing, curriculum should be adjusted to better meet the
needs o students. I wanted my response to be simply, while still expressing my
strong feelings of disagreement with what this teacher had said. I responded with
the following: “I also teach 12th grade English and I totally agree
that half the battle is engaging students in the content. While I love reading
more contemporary novels in my free time, I do not feel that they belong in the
classroom in place of classic literature. Using modern writing as a supplement
to a unit is one thing, but to completely replace the classics with literature
from the 21st century seems irresponsible. Eliminating the classics
from curriculum communicates to students that classic literature is not
important. There may be some classics that students just don’t like, and that’s
okay. I think part of being a teacher is teaching students that sometimes we
have to do things, or in this case read things, that we don’t like.” I posted
this response on Saturday afternoon. I have not had any feedback to my response
at this point, but I am anticipating responses in the near future. For the most
part, the digital citizenship throughout this thread has been positive, with
members agreeing or disagreeing with one another in a respectable manner. I am
hoping that any responses to my post will be the same.
The post you found in your forum does raise a very interesting question, and your response was very thoughtful but still stated your own opinion clearly while displaying positive digital citizenship. I am really interesting to hear about any responses you get. I understand where this teacher was trying to go by raising this question, but I still do feel that the bottom line is English Literature needs to have all kinds of exposure to literature, new and old. I think that classic literature holds a place in the classroom and you are totally on point when you said it is how you teach it and engage your students is what matters. Of course students wouldn't be interested if you are not integrating more modern, interesting assignments then its no doubt that students would loose interest. That goes for all content areas on just English Literature. I think students should be encouraged to read more modern works, maybe as an out of the classroom activity, while the classics need to remain in the classroom. I think even older works can be relatable if you explain to students the different ways they might connect to the literature. I look forward to what else you find in your forum and any responses you get from your second post.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed by how you demonstrated positive digital citizenship while still showing your passion for your side of the argument. I find it interesting that you have not received a response back yet, but possibly it is because your argument was very sound and not too controversial. As a person who loves the classics I agree that it is disappointing to see this movement toward more contemporary and nonfiction writing, but I have not made my final decision about how I feel on this topic.
ReplyDeleteI think that teacher might be on to something about teaching literature. 'Pearls before swine', right? What is the point of delivering a great lesson if your audience is not receptive to it. In world history there are things in the standards that none of the students find interesting that I do. I think the French Revolution is interesting. High school kids usually don't. I spend more time on things that they find interesting so they can get more out of it.
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