Objectives
In American public schools today our objectives seem to have been rendered quite simple while the means of achieving those objectives remain deeply complex. Although educators have traditionally sought to "nurture, protect and prepare" students for lifelong learning and satisfaction in life, a powerful focus on standardized testing combined with growing difficulties in preparing effectively for a demanding college entrance requirements and a sharply competitive and changeable job market create pressures and expectations that test instructors' mettle in dramatic ways.
My objectives, therefore, combine the basics of reading, writing, listening and speaking with the goal of sharpening critical thinking, problem-solving, technology and active citizenship.
Awareness and Critical Questioning
The awareness that I hope will become a part of my students' lives "from this course forward" will begin the first day with our first look at the 11th grade anthology. Students will be asked to consider the how's and why's of both text and artwork selection and placement. We will consider what the class as a whole knows about the Indian Nations of the New World. I can provide a mini-lesson overview, perhaps making use of portions of 1491 by Charles Mann as a jumping off place. Once we have established a general understanding and had practice in questioning techniques, students will be invited to continue to raise questions throughout our study of literature and extending their analytical practices in consideration of all media.
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