As a new teacher, giving my students as much autonomy as Ratz did seems intimidating. I’m willing to give my students more autonomy when I have a few years of experience, but I’m not willing to try it now. Too scary. However, I really loved some of his ideas. I liked some of the culminating assessments: dramatic reinterpretations, deleted scenes, alternate ending, online profiles for the characters in the text, character improvisations, and text-based product advertisements. I really liked his MySpace characterization idea; however, I will adapt it to suit facebook because I think facebook it more popular today. I really think reading Shakespeare can be enjoyable for students so long as the teacher is creative and allows for creativity. After our drama/Shakespeare unit, I’m inclined to have my students engage in more hands-on, student-centered activities. I’m going to teach Romeo and Juliet next semester, and now I’m really excited to incorporate reader’s theater.
I agree with you. And I do think that some students would not do well in this type of a classroom--they need much more structure. But his ideas are interesting and good jumping off places for us--like your adaptation for FB. Can't wait to see you do some reader's theater--make sure to invite me!
ReplyDelete