Discussing Issues

           I have been finding that many students are more than willing to talk about “controversial” topics or topics that are highly relatable. Topics about conspiracies, about teenage stereotypes, marriage, and gender seem to transform a quiet class into a talkative group where many students are more than willing to voice their thoughts. There are also always quiet students in these situations as well. These silent students might be introverts or have their mind focused elsewhere; however we need to remember that they may be feeling isolated or uncomfortable with the topic.

Appleman explains in chapter eight that literary lenses can be a way to discuss issues more comfortably. This is seen in the example of Ayanna, the only student of color in her class, because here she expresses that she finds that the lenses used in her class make her feel less isolated. Literary lenses can be understood as a way to discuss issues more comfortable, such as issues of social power and gender (p. 118). I think that this is valuable because students want to talk about societies issues and seem to become engaged when controversial topics come up. Learning how to use literary lenses properly then can help us teach students to engage issues in a respectful intellectual way. It can also help us tie in current events with our literature which can further connect us to our bigger world. I believe that the potential lenses have for discussing issues is extremely valuable as a teacher candidate because I want to be able to discuss controversial issues with my students. It is during these teachable moments that we can get students to start thinking about inequalities and power.