• Previous message: Denee Stevenson : "Re: Frankenstein--for what ability?"
• Maybe in reply to: Andrea Martine: "Question"
• Next in thread: Julie Hoffman: "Re: Question"
• Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ]

Dear Jennifer,

This is a great question that so many of us deal with.Compound Cliff's Notes
with
the internet use and ease at which students can avoid actually reading is
downright
disheartening.

If you are looking for ways to "check" actual reading: something I have
done is
announce the date and provide a scoring rubric for an in-class essay. I
make up the
essay and permit students to have their copies of the book with them for use
of quotes, etc.
Essays must be completed in that class period.

If you are looking for ways to "engage" students so that they want to read.
I have found
small group discussion, led by students, helpful though certainly not
foolproof. You need
to build into the group process a method for accountability, but peer
involvement seems
to get students to both want to read and to be "forced" to read because it's
with peers
and small group. Sometimes, I've observed discussions in small group that
make the novel
sound so appealing that the errant reader will go home and read so that
he/she can engage
in the discussion next time.

Even though I have ideas to offer. I could use a lot myself because I
experience the
same frustration that you do.

DeneeStevenson 10/11th grades Beaver High School PA
stevenson@basd.k12.pa.us
----------
>From: Jennifer Hack <jhack@mail.phila.k12.pa.us>
>To: Multiple recipients of list <Teacher-TalkNovel@learner.org>
>Subject: Re: Question
>Date: Thu, Mar 23, 2000, 2:27 PM
>

>Dear Colleagues,
>
>I am struggling with an ever-present nemesis, plagiarism. For canonical works,
>students often frequent Monarch Notes, Cliff Notes or related movies. Too
>frequently, these supplements become the sole relationship that my students
>read or view.
>
>Even though, I believe that there are students who do honestly read the
>prescribed works and may use supplements as aids, there still seems to be
>an inordinate number of students who are looking for ways to circumvent the
>actual reading of whatever work is at hand.
>
>Some might believe that it's okay because, at least, they are reading, and
>this might be valid. However, these same students are hesitant about
>venturing into discussion or committing themselves to points relating to
>plot, theme, or host of other story elements (possibly for fear of
>discovery). Unfortunately, then, the discussions or related forums are
>relegated to the few who have actual demonstrable knowledge of the literary
>piece.
>
>Aside from creating another canon (which I am presently trying to
>construct) that deviates from our sponsored school district listings, what
>remedies work well in your teaching environments?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

• Next message: Stimson, Linda: "Things Fall Apart"
• Previous message: Denee Stevenson : "Re: Frankenstein--for what ability?"
• Maybe in reply to: Andrea Martine: "Question"
• Next in thread: Julie Hoffman: "Re: Question"
• Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ]

Send a message to the list: