As you listen to Penny Kittle's students discuss the experiences they had with reading you will learn about an approach to teaching English that turns over decision making about the curriculum to the students - they chose what they want to read. This approach is sometimes called the "reader workshop" and has been championed by Nancie Atwell, author of many books about teaching English and winner of the first Global Teacher Award (in 2015). As you listen, think about the ways in which your experiences are like or unlike the students and how this teacher's approach is different and/or similar to your own.
Click on the link below to listen to a five minute video.
When finished listening, discuss the following prompts with your group. You don't have to touch on every question; focus on what interests you.
1. What does Penny Kittle and this "reader workshop" approach believe is the responsibility of English Language Arts teachers? How do your views differ and or align with this perspective?
2. What frameworks/curriculum models (cultural knowledge, forms, skills/processes, critical inquiry) does this approach fit with and not fit with? How/why?
3. What about the reader's workshop approach do you find interesting, perplexing, and relevant to your own practice and belief system? Does listening to these students influence your beliefs in any way?
4. How might a reader workshop approach be combined with a critical inquiry approach? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?
5. At this point, which frameworks/curriculum models most influence your philosophy of teaching English? How do you envision applying these frameworks to planning curriculum for your student teaching?
6. Why is it important that you and your teaching colleagues be concerned about formulating and discussing your beliefs and how they influence practice?
Links:
The Teachers' Lounge
Teaching to Exceed Virtual School