Answer/Quote: “Theory has
become a bad word among classroom teachers. In our minds it often is associated
with ‘the ivory tower,’ naïve idealism, superciliousness, condescension, and
the domination of high school teachers by their privileged university
colleagues. We sniff when we speak of ‘theorists,’ as if we had gotten a whiff
of a bad odor. But all reading and all teaching are grounded in theory. The
only question is the extent to which one is aware or unaware of one’s
theoretical base.” P. 100.
Comment: A recurring theme in articles in
professional education journals is the degree to which teachers are aware of
the theories under which they operate in the classroom. Ever take the time to
analyze the theories that operate in your teaching of reading, grammar, writing
and literature? Sure, you might use the occasion to justify your practices, but
you’ll just be hiding the theories under which you really do operate. Time for
an honest assessment. What are the theories that dictate your teaching? How do
your theories differ from the school’s official practices? RayS.
Title: “Job and His Friends.” Ben F Nelms. English Journal (November 1992), 100.
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