“Active methods comprise a wide range of expressive, creative and physical activities. they recognize that Shakespeare wrote his plays for performance, and that his scripts are completed by enactment of some kind” (Gibson, Rex. Teaching Shakespeare. Cambridge University Press, UK. 1998. pg. xii).
This book argues that the teaching of Shakespeare is most effective when taught with active methods, such as acting out scenes. The book emphasizes the plays as pieces of drama and less on the plays as a piece of literature. I agree that active methods for teaching anything is usually the best and most effective way as it gets students involved and interested in the lessons and, hopefully, into discussions. I also believe that it is important to teach students that, yes, Shakespeare did write the plays with the intention of them being acted on a stage as a drama, but the plays are also a piece of literature. The plays should be studied and acted out by students, while also being studied as literature through the studying of language, theme, character analysis, plot, etc.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Colleen // Sep 20, 2006 at 2:55 pm
I completely agree with what you are saying here! I think that as English teachers we have a huge challenge in getting students to get over the hurdle of difficult language or lack of interest and getting them to appreciate classical literature. I also read Gibson’s suggestions for encouraging students to interact with the plays and I think that he has a lot of practical exercises to implement in the classroom. Character interviews, narratives, ad obituaries are just some examples of ways to get students to better understand the works. Can anyone else think of any other exercises that might be helpful?
2 EDLA 7550 » How can you help students understand the power of his language, appreciate the beauty of his speeches and recognize the universality of characters and themes in Shakespearean and contemporary discourses? // Sep 27, 2006 at 2:59 pm
[…] Ann, Veronica, and Michelle stress the importance of active methods in helping students both experience and understand music, vibrant characters, and themes that ring true in all of us.Finally, Lashley shares the ways to incorporate props in preparation for staging Shakespeare’s works. […]