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Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries & Replies From Everyone Else 4.2.97: Top | Help


A double-edged sword...

Maybe this is sort of obvious, but the 'teaching through performance' concept can REALLY fall flat on its face.

If you have a bunch of theater-oriented, or just generally enthusiastic students, I say go for it...but...

Remember all the glazed-over looks everyone gave Julius Caesar when you were in high school? Picture that, but people are apathetically standing up while reciting text, instead of zoning out at their desks. I don't consider this "performance" a more effective means of teaching.

The best recommendation I'd give is to be aggressive. Don't LET the kids get bored. Don't accept blank stares, and don't answer your own questions when the apathy tries to set in.

...and above all else, remind them that lots of Shakespeare is just blood, gore, and sex. Real R-rated stuff. That always gets their interest. :)

Keep us posted! I'd love to know how the lessons turn out!

--mikey.

Posted by Mikey, constant student and techer on April 10, 1997 at 03:24:20
In Reply to "Teachers--Share new ideas for teaching Shakespeare!" posted by Elizabeth Bennett on April 09, 1997 at 14:10:53


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Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries & Replies From Everyone Else 4.2.97: Top | Help