This chapter’s discussion of the importance of talking, both in class and outside of class, is one that I can agree with but that I have always struggled with (at least inside the classroom). I am the type of person that hates being rejected or being wrong, so I rarely volunteer answers in class for fear of being incorrect or even being ridiculed by my peers. I know there are plenty of other students out there who, like me, simply do not speak up in class because they just can’t seem to make themselves open their mouths and allow words to flow freely. Some may be shy as well, in which case forced literary discussions may not help much, but for the most part many students that are unable to speak freely in a class have no confidence in what they have to say. A couple of literature courses I took at the University of San Diego had as participation as a component, of which 30% of my grade depended on whether or not you volunteered an answer or your opinion every day. When I saw these requirements, my heart sank, as I realized that I would probably get a bad grade in the classes due to my fear of speaking up in class. Knowing how important it was for me to succeed in school, however, I was able to muster up as much courage and confidence as I could in what I had to say, and every class period I would say something, even if it was just to pose a question that sprang up as I was reading a particular text.
Now, I am not suggesting that all English teachers force their students to participate or risk getting a bad grade in the class. I am merely portraying how those requirements helped me to find my voice in the classroom. Teachers should be able to come up with their own unique ways of involving their whole class in discussions, whether it be through whole-class talks or group work as illustrated in the chapter. As teachers it will be our duty to make certain that every one of our students has the skills necessary to succeed in life, and making sure that they can speak their mind articulately is one of them.
yes, Serena, the fear that you mention plagues many students. I think this is why it is especially important for teachers to try to find creative ways to make students feel supported and engaged. Since you're coming from that perspective, you will probably be especially good at thinking of ways that might make others, like you, want to get involved!
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