The week back from winter break always starts slow, but we still were able to accomplish a lot. I like that we were able to enter into our SSR and creative writing again - and the Shakespearean drama project. I wondered what it may be like to have students work on the project after viewing the plays before break and it seems their brains have processed the information subconsciously or, as an old professor-friend of my would say, they have fed the machine and let it work. This unexpected lesson taught me the incredible elasticity of the mind. When teachers cram as much information as possible into the minds of students much of it is displaced by the weight of stress and worry. It reminds me of dropping a boulder into a swimming pool already filled with water - the boulder drops in, but water equal to the density of the boulder is displaced and lost.
This week has taught me a lot about critical theory lenses and the need for students to narrow down their ideas. Instead of focusing on psychological analysis, they need to focus on one aspect of psychology, like Freud's Id, Ego, and Superego. Instead of focusing on feminist analysis, they need to focus on an aspect of it, like examples of equality in the feminist approach. Following their studies this way will help them to find one path that leads to a complex and thorough study of their topic. I am excited to see their presentations and read their essays, because they are sharing their perspective and not some predetermined idea.
This week has taught me a lot about critical theory lenses and the need for students to narrow down their ideas. Instead of focusing on psychological analysis, they need to focus on one aspect of psychology, like Freud's Id, Ego, and Superego. Instead of focusing on feminist analysis, they need to focus on an aspect of it, like examples of equality in the feminist approach. Following their studies this way will help them to find one path that leads to a complex and thorough study of their topic. I am excited to see their presentations and read their essays, because they are sharing their perspective and not some predetermined idea.