The Death and Resurrection of a Coherent Literature Curriculum


Book Description

This book is addressed to teachers who know that the secondary literature curriculum in our public schools is in shambles. Unless experienced and well-read English teachers can develop coherent and increasingly demanding literature curricula in their schools, average high school students will remain at about the fifth or sixth grade reading level--where they now are to judge from several independent sources. This book seeks to challenge education policy makers, test developers, and educators who discourage the assignment of appropriately difficult works to high school students and make construction of a coherent literature curriculum impossible. It first traces the history of the literature curriculum in our middle schools and high schools and shows how it has been diminished and distorted in the past half-century. It then offers examples of coherent literature curricula and spells out the cognitive principles upon which coherence is based. Finally, it suggests what English teachers in our public schools could do to develop a literature curriculum that gives all their students an adequate basis for participation in an English-speaking civic culture.




Learning to Teach English in the Secondary School


Book Description

This forward-looking book combines theory and practice to present a broad introduction to the opportunities and challenges of teaching English in secondary school classrooms. Each chapter explains the background to current debates about teaching the subject and provides tasks, teaching ideas, and further reading to explore issues and ideas in relation to school experience. With reference to new legislation, the chapters suggest a range of approaches to the teaching of reading, writing, speaking and listening, drama, media study, information technology, language study, grammar, poetry, Shakespeare, GNVQ and A Level English Language and Literature. Learning to Teach English in the Secondary Schooloffers principles and practical examples of teaching and learning in the context of the end of the twentieth century when new notions of literacy compete with the demands of national assessment. Taking as its starting point the changing ideologies of English as a subject, the text addresses questions about the nature of teacher education. It raises issues concerning competence-based courses, working with a mentor in school and monitoring the development of a student teacher. Learning to Teach Subjects in the Secondary School series, edited by Sue Capel, Tony Turner and Marilyn Leask.




Teaching English Literature 16-19


Book Description

Teaching English Literature 16 – 19 is an essential new resource that is suitable for use both as an introductory guide for those new to teaching literature and also as an aid to reflection and renewal for more experienced teachers. Using the central philosophy that students will learn best when actively engaged in discussion and encouraged to apply what they have learnt independently, this highly practical new text contains: discussion of the principles behind the teaching of literature at this level; guidelines on course planning, pedagogy, content and subject knowledge; advice on teaching literature taking into account a range of broader contexts, such as literary criticism, literary theory, performance, publishing, creative writing and journalism; examples of practical activities, worksheets and suggestions for texts; guides to available resources. Aimed at English teachers, teacher trainees, teacher trainers and advisors, this resource is packed full of new and workable ideas for teaching all English literature courses.




Literature in English


Book Description

Recent research on literature education in Singapore has highlighted the state of ambivalence of the literature curriculum and suggested possibilities for its reconceptualisation, taking into consideration the contemporary Singaporean environment and the impact of globalization; and considering the offering of alternative curricula. This book explores the state of literature as a subject in Singapore secondary schools in relation to this recent research by considering its role in the current political, economic, social and educational climate.