I need your opinion!

[Rebecca Pilver]

Hello Everyone,

I need your opinions for students to listen to about the question "Should classics be required reading in today's schools?".

To express your point of view, go to
http://classicbooks.sblc.wikispaces.net/The+Ongoing+Debate

Thank you! This is in preparation for an online inquiry project beginning in the fall. Pass this along to anyone you know who would might be willing to contribute. We are looking for some students to express their opinion, too.

Thanks!

Rebecca

[Terry Smith]

There is significant educaitonal value (historical, literature, philosophical, etc) in the classics so it would be a waste to not read them. However, they way in whch they are presented could likely use some updating, that is, making use of current tools and technologies in communicating and reflecting on content and messages contained. An effective teacher can make the classics come alive.

[Bob Sprankle]

Terry,

I think you "nailed it". Couldn't have said it better. I love the classics and understand that not everyone does... and perhaps it was their introduction that made the relationship sour.

[Sven Braune]

Hi Rebecca, I too think that if classics are "required," that they should somehow be connected with what is relevant to today's children and youth. This can, as Terry already outlined, be accomplished by making use of various technologies. For example, wouldn't it be fun read and summarize the book, and write a script based of the summary, and record it with a film-camera? The title: "The entire story of Oliver Twist in 5 min?"

[coakes]

I sent this to my high school teachers!
cheryl

[Linda Davis]

The classics model good literature and reveal themes that repeat themselves in contemporary literature. Yes, it is important to draw connections to students' lives to make this good literature come alive, and I do believe it is essential. The classics give us a common ground on which we can explain life's lessons. This is especially true if students attend college--professors assume students read the classics so that they can help students draw connections and also so students can communicate with each other using a common background of information.

[Cheryl Pinette]

The folks who have already responded provided wonderful reasons for having students read the classics. As an avid reader, I have gone back and read many of the classics as an adult and feel that I understood and enjoyed them much more. However, had I not had the initial introduction to them as a student, I may have skipped over them.

[Clare Caddell]

Here's another angle: an intro. to any classic could include some online research into the life and times of the author. "Knowing" the person behind the literature, why they wrote it, maybe even why it was difficult to write it, can help build some appreciation - and maybe even show some connections. I just finished a somewhat biographical novel about Shakespeare (who I had absolutely no appreciation for in high school, or college,despite being an English major!). Now I realize what was missing! Learning more about his life may actually lead to me digging my 'complete works of' out of the basement. Also, for fun, what technologies would a given author from the past be using today, and how?
Clare