My love of reading came from watching my mom. She always (in her spare time) would have a book in hand. I feel that today we can connect more because we recommend each other different books to try. My mom didn't really teach me anything about reading and understanding the text, she just set the example that books were important. During my middle and high school years I don't remember a teacher making or breaking my love of reading anymore that what it was. I did learn on my own how to interpret a text by writing out questions or more times than I care to count, rereading the whole book. My high school teachers focused more on the proper way to speak and write English then understanding a literary text.
I do remember one teacher taught us about The Scarlet Letter. I fell in love with that book. I remember (vaguely) that he would ask us questions about what we thought of the book, and why did we think that. What parts did we like and didn't like. He let us lead the discussion and only stepped in when we got off track. This was the only time I can remember a teacher actually teaching us about something different. I know that is why I love The Scarlet Letter.
I hope that I can learn from this teachers example and lead my class in a way where they are the ones to take charge (once in a while) and help each other. Guiding students when they get off track and letting them come up with their own ideas and thoughts about literature will help teach them more then giving students the answers.
One thing that I struggled with (when I was working as an aid) was a new English teacher who constantly gave the answers to her students. She always asked them yes or no questions, so they did not have to think. When she worked on the study guides with them she would give the answers whether they had read the assigned chapters or not. The students learned that they didn't have to read the book, they just had to wait for her to go over the study guide to get the answers. It was so frustrating because these students were being taught to rely upon the teacher instead of thinking and looking for the answers themselves.
Hi Kristy,
ReplyDeleteLater this semester, we will read an article about how to foster discussions, and one way is to ask cognitively challenging questions. As you mentioned, yes/no questions just don't cut it! If students are bored or feel like their voices are not heard, then teachers are not establishing a climate where they can be intellectually challenged and inspired, not to mention motivated to read and write. Thanks for your posting!
There is a math teacher at the High School that I work in who does a similar thing...doing the thinking for them. Many of the students don't even try anymore. It's so hard to try and get them to think for themselves now because of this. So, I completely agree that teachers shouldn't do the thinking for the students. Those who do the work, do the learning!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in high school, I always loved classes where we would get to work together and share our ideas to get to the answers. There's always those teachers who just asked yes or no questions and I never took anything from those classes. You can't retain the knowledge if you aren't doing thinking! I like what Megan wrote in her comment, those who do the work, do the learning.
ReplyDeleteMy mother was a great example for me also when it came to reading. I could find my mother with a book in her hand a lot of the time. She would also take me to the library a lot to pick out books to read when I was little. It was nice as I got older to read the same book and then have discussions about what the book was about and our opinion about what we read.
ReplyDeleteI think that is so cool that your mother read when she had the time. Reading is something I myself love to do and I am worried that it will come to an end when the babies make their way into our life! I know if I make the time I will be able to read and show my kids that it is important like you mom did.
ReplyDeleteYour English teacher sounds very smart! Is that why you are going into English as well? It is always a great experience when a class can have an open discussion and talk about their opinions on the class material. I hope to be able to lead rewarding discussions for the students as well.
Kristy I hope life is awesome! I'm glad I get to have another class with you! Hope you have a good semester. The one thing that I liked a lot about your post from a teaching aspect is from the teacher that read with you The Scarlet Letter. I think it is so important to check for understanding and help students truly see what is being said and help them understand the text being read. That teacher did that for you, and I know that is so important. You can't just read, and hope in your mind that the students understand.
ReplyDeleteI also like classes where the students are allowed to take the lead in discussions. I am so much more likely to comprehend the material when I can talk about what is being covered.
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