[Teacher-talknovel] In Search of the Novel #8

Am I getting through? Isn't this what we, as teachers, always ask. Do
students even care about anything we have read? I think that students soak
in more than they and we realize.

The idea of using Socratic seminars is brought up. I like the idea of
students discussing their views of the novel as long as they can back it
up. This is so empowering for students. I really like the idea of
students asking students questions to guide each other through the novel.

The Socratic seminars encourage good listeners and good speakers. Each
student must listen to the others' ideas to make the discussion continue.
 They must feed off each other to make the seminar work. The students must
also learn to express themselves clearly and accurately. They must be able
to share these opinions without getting emotional or offended.

The students will also learn how to back up their opinions with facts and
sections of the novel. This is so important for students to do when they
write essays and move on to college. They will succeed as they learn this
skill.

The question I have is will this work? I taught 8th grade English. How
can I get 8th graders to participate?

Lindsay

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Received on Fri Feb 24 2012 - 08:23:03 EST