Synopses & Reviews
Sheridan Blau is among the small number of writers who have really original things to say about teaching and learning. - Gerald GraffSheridan Blau is a gem in the English teaching profession: a teacher-researcher and an innovative teacher who blows the lid off of traditional forms of literary instruction. - Jeff WilhelmI cant think of a more helpful book about teaching literature. Its sophisticated, subtle, and responsive to complex theory - yet practical and accessible. - Peter Elbow
In this groundbreaking book, Sheridan Blau introduces the literature workshop as the most effective approach to solving many of the classic instructional problems that perplex beginning and veteran teachers of literature. Through lively re-creations of actual workshops that he regularly conducts for students and teachers, Blau invites his readers to become active participants in workshops on such topics as: helping students read more difficult texts than they think they can readwhere interpretations come fromthe problem of background knowledge in teaching classic textshow to deal with competing and contradictory interpretationswhat's worth saying about a literary textbalancing respect for readers with respect for texts and intellectual authorityensuring that literary discussions are lively and productive how to develop valuable and engaging writing assignments.Each workshop includes reflections on what transpired and a discussion of the workshop's rationale and outcomes in the larger context of an original and practice-based theory of literary competence and instruction.
Synopsis
In this groundbreaking book, Sheridan Blau introduces the literature workshop as the most effective approach to solving many of the classic instructional problems.
Synopsis
In this groundbreaking book, Sheridan Blau introduces the literature workshop as the most effective approach to solving many of the classic instructional problems that perplex beginning and veteran teachers of literature. Through lively re-creations of actual workshops that he regularly conducts for students and teachers, Blau invites his readers to become active participants in workshops on such topics as:
- helping students read more difficult texts than they think they can read
- where interpretations come from
- the problem of background knowledge in teaching classic texts
- how to deal with competing and contradictory interpretations
- what's worth saying about a literary text
- balancing respect for readers with respect for texts and intellectual authority
- ensuring that literary discussions are lively and productive
- how to develop valuable and engaging writing assignments.
Each workshop includes reflections on what transpired and a discussion of the workshop's rationale and outcomes in the larger context of an original and practice-based theory of literary competence and instruction.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 219-227) and index.
Synopsis
In this groundbreaking book, Sheridan Blau introduces the literature workshop as the most effective approach to solving many of the classic instructional problems that perplex beginning and veteran teachers of literature. Through lively re-creations of actual workshops that he regularly conducts for students and teachers, Blau invites his readers to become active participants in workshops on such topics as:
- helping students read more difficult texts than they think they can read
- where interpretations come from
- the problem of background knowledge in teaching classic texts
- how to deal with competing and contradictory interpretations
- what's worth saying about a literary text
- balancing respect for readers with respect for texts and intellectual authority
- ensuring that literary discussions are lively and productive
- how to develop valuable and engaging writing assignments.
Each workshop includes reflections on what transpired and a discussion of the workshop's rationale and outcomes in the larger context of an original and practice-based theory of literary competence and instruction.
About the Author
A past president of NCTE, a member of the National Writing Project Task Force, and teacher of literature for two generations of students, Sheridan Blau directs the South Coast Writing Project and the Literature Institute for Teachers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he is a senior faculty member in the departments of English and Education.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Principles for Practice
Teaching and Learning Literature: A Problem with a Solution
Stories from the Classroom: Lessons on Learning Literature
From Telling to Teaching: The Literature Workshop in Action
How Readers and Texts Make Meaning
Which Interpretation Is the Right One? A Workshop on Literary Meaning
The Problem of Background Knowledge: A Workshop on Intertextual Literacy
How to Talk and Write About Literature
Where Do Interpretations Come From?
What's Worth Saying About a Literary Text?
Writing Assignments in Literature Classes: Perennial Problems and Provisional Solutions
Writing Assignments in Literature Classes: The Problem
Writing Assignments in Literature Classes: Models for Solutions-in-Progress
Foundations of Literary Knowledge
Honoring Readers and Respecting Texts: Value and Authority in Literary Interpretation
What Do Students Need to Learn? The Dimensions of Literacy Competence