A couple of imperative questions:
1) What is the purpose of literature?
2) What is the purpose of an English classroom?
These questions are explored in the articles by Raquel Cook and Karen A. Wink. Literature (particularly in the English classroom) is a window to the world. Literature is a catalyst; it exposes the writer to understanding and the reader to perspective.
"Education is about learning to live in a world community, about communicating and questioning and listening." The English classroom has the unique opportunity to present its students with the diverse voices of this world community. Our readings of The Book Thief (German voice) and Night (Jewish voice) model an essential blend of perspective. To read either singularly in a study of the Holocaust would rob the student of a key part of that history (and, thus, of the world community). Cook was able to transform her World Literature class into a journey around the world, which is an awesome concept. Wink mirrors this concept of moving beyond tourism by "bring[ing] place to students."
If our classrooms are going to develop "globally competent and competitive" thinkers, then we need to get comfortable with discomfort. Cook mentions moving her students toward a "global perspective." Why is this important? Because we are each a part of this world that is ever transforming into a more connected community. Therefore, students must be challenged with new perspectives. Students must be encouraged to "question silent assumptions and to allow a transformation of learning where they oscillate between comfort and discomfort... a certain amount of discomfort is necessary for learning and to move through, rather than around, the feeling." Such a classroom will awaken student voice and curiosity in a way that fosters real critical thinking – not just about the text at hand but about the people, the culture, the world that the text explores.
I think that it is really important to read more than two texts for a topic like the holocaust. I think that two would be appropriate and I think that one should be a graphic novel to give some diversity for the students. The Book Thief and Maus would be great together.
ReplyDeleteI also love how in the article it was all about world literature and the teacehr made it seem more like a journey while the year was going on. I think that is a great idea because they really were traveling around the world with all the different stories they read. I also like the idea from the article with the map in the classtroom to show the students where they will be going and where they were and help them decide where they want to go.
Sarah, I really like how you ask imperative questions at the beginning of your blog and how you note that literature is a catalyst for both the writer and reader. Very well said! I agree with you that it is important to expose students to the different viewpoints of literature. To not do so is a disservice to students and a failure on our part. I agree that the discomfort students might experience is a starting point for critical thinking. In responding to a challenging text they find their own voice and learn that their voice has value. And like you wrote, I fully agree that critical thinking skills are more important than ever in our world today.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Arlen! The imperative questions you ask at the beginning of your blog post are a nice way for the reader [me!] to know exactly what you are going to talk about.
I completely agree with your statements on how we are each part of this global community and as such, we need to prepare our students for the discomfort they will face once they are out of school (or even while they are in it).
Regarding the silent assumptions you mention: I agree that we need to encourage our students to question them, but to question them, our students need to be aware of them. I know that up until I spent a month in the Dominican Republic this summer, I never knew that there were important historical events and perspectives that were not being taught in our public school classes. Perhaps this was mere ignorance on my part, but I'd imagine there are other students like me out there. I'd like to make them aware and active.
I loved your ideas Sarah. It is very important to be uncomfortable in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteYou had good thoughts about Cook's World Literature class. I also thought it was amazing that she took her students on a journey. They will get more out of that concept than just having a "tourist view."
I agree that the text itself will not create curiosity in a way that fosters critical thinking. The classroom and how students are encouraged will create that. Students need to see that they have a voice and be thinking on a global perspective.
Great job!
Nicole, I agree: In order to question, students must be aware of what is happening around them. I failed to consider that part of the equation!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback, everyone!