Teaching the classics can also engage students in a different way. The depth and complexity of classics like 'Moby - Dick' can be very engaging once students get past the initial difficulty. It's like unlocking a hidden treasure. But it requires more effort from both the teacher and the students. Modern novels are more straightforward in their appeal. They are designed to be quickly engaging, like a fast - paced movie. So, in terms of immediate engagement, modern novels have an edge, but the classics can offer a more profound and long - term engagement.
Well, modern novels usually have a built - in advantage in engaging students because they are written for the current audience. They use modern language, pop - culture references, and deal with issues that are on students' minds right now, like bullying or social media. However, teaching the classics can be made engaging too. By bringing in historical context, relating the themes to modern life, and using creative teaching methods, students can be drawn into the world of the classics. It's not an either - or situation. Teachers can use both types of literature to engage students in different ways.
Modern novels tend to engage students more easily. They often feature modern settings, relatable characters, and contemporary themes. For instance, a teen - oriented modern novel about high school life will immediately draw in students who can see themselves in the story. In contrast, the classics with their old - fashioned language and settings can seem dull at first glance.
The following is a class record of how the teaching of classical classics aroused students 'interest in reading: Teacher: Students, today we are going to read a classic work-- What kind of novel was this? [Sheng: 'Getting the Birthday Guide by Wisdom' is a novel about a life-and-death struggle between the various gangs in the early years of the Song Dynasty.] Teacher: This novel sounds very exciting. How can I arouse the students 'interest in reading it? S: I think we can attract the students 'interest by telling them how the protagonist in the novel got the birthday plan and the story between them. Teacher: Yes, telling the story of the protagonist's intelligence and wit, as well as the thrilling and exciting plot between them can stimulate the students 'interest in reading. Then, let's start reading! (Students start reading) Teacher: Students, what do you think after reading this novel? Sheng: I think this book is very exciting. It's about the struggle between the big gangs in the early years of the Song Dynasty and the plot of the protagonist's wisdom in obtaining the birthday scroll. Teacher: Yes, this book shows the thrills and excitement of Jianghu by telling the story of the protagonist's wisdom in obtaining the birthday scroll. The characters can attract the readers 'interest. At the same time, it could also let students understand the style of ancient society and people's lives to improve their cultural quality. Sheng: I think the plot in this book is very interesting and the characters are very rich. Teacher: Yes, the characters in this book are very rich. Through the words and deeds of the protagonist, you can understand the style of ancient society and people's lives. At the same time, the story in the novel was very fascinating and could stimulate the reader's interest. (Students continue reading) Teacher: Students, do you have any questions or ideas? Sheng: I think the descriptions in this book are very detailed and the language is very beautiful. Teacher: The descriptions in this book are very detailed. By describing the expressions, movements, and language of the characters, the readers can better understand the hearts of the characters. At the same time, the language in the novel was also very beautiful, allowing the readers to enjoy reading more. (Student Exchange)
One way is to use lots of visual aids. For example, show pictures of Christmas scenes while telling the story. This helps students better understand the context.
One strategy could be to start with a discussion about the historical context. The Book Thief is set during World War II, so exploring that time period can help students better understand the story. You can show pictures or short video clips. Another approach is to have students keep a journal as they read, writing down their thoughts and feelings about the characters like Liesel. This makes them more engaged with the text.
Teaching the classics can expose students to great literary techniques that have been refined over time. Classics like 'Pride and Prejudice' offer complex character development. But they might seem boring to some students as the settings are far removed from modern life. Modern novels, such as 'The Hunger Games', are exciting and capture students' attention quickly. Yet, they may not have the same level of literary sophistication as the classics.
One way is to start with a relevant movie clip from a dystopian film adaptation. It gives students a visual understanding. For example, show a clip from 'The Hunger Games' before reading the book. This can spark their interest and make them eager to explore the dystopian world in the novel.
Teaching Students is a classic novel about human nature and morality. Through the story of a rich professor and a poor student, it explored the importance of human dignity, responsibility, and moral values. Through the description of the novel, I felt the power of good and evil in human nature, as well as morality and values. Although the professor was rich, he was still able to give enough attention and support to the students to make them feel that they were not alone. Although the student was poor, he did not give up his dream of pursuing knowledge. Instead, he gained the professor's recognition and help through his own efforts and sincerity. These descriptions made me deeply aware that the power of morality and values can help people get out of trouble and achieve self-transcendence and development. The novel also described the indifference and selfishness of human nature, as well as the lack of a sense of responsibility. The difference between a professor and a student was that a professor had a high social status and wealth, but he still maintained his concern for human nature and his responsibility to society. Students, on the other hand, were more susceptible to external interference and temptation because of their poverty. They lacked a sense of responsibility and judgment. These descriptions made me realize that a person's social status and wealth do not determine his morality and values, but rather whether he has the concern for humanity and the responsibility for society. Through reading Teaching Students, I deeply understood the importance of morals and values, as well as the necessity of a sense of responsibility and judgment. These insights will have an important impact on my future life and growth.
It reflects the modern teaching experience by showing the mixed feelings teachers have towards technology. They love the new opportunities it offers like virtual field trips, but hate dealing with tech failures during important lessons.
Teaching short stories helps in students' language development. They get exposed to new words and phrases in a context that is easier to understand compared to longer texts.
Use multimedia. For example, show a short video clip related to the theme before starting to read the story. This can capture students' attention and give them a visual idea of what the theme might be about.", "Answer2":": Incorporate hands - on activities. Let students create a poster that represents the theme of the story. They can draw pictures, write quotes from the story, and use colors to symbolize different aspects of the theme. This makes the learning more tangible and fun.
You can start by choosing age-appropriate sci-fi books or movies and discussing them with the students. It helps spark their imagination and interest.