Fostering Self Worth and Student Learning

Now that we have learned the many literary theories that focus on race, gender, and class, I begin to wonder how easy the theories will be to bring into the classroom.  I have no doubt that they can be very effective, but they must be approached with caution.  Appleman discusses how literary theory is useful for all students regardless of their ability level; it is not just for A.P. students and University students.  However, it would not be realistic to assume that these theories can be used in all classes.  It requires the teacher’s own discretion as to whether or not the given theory would be beneficial to all students and would not marginalize any individuals, or groups. 

Looking at texts through a racial lens must be approached with particular care and attention, especially when the class is not racially diverse, because it will marginalize those who are not in the majority.  I can see the racial lens being difficult at times in the school I am placed in because there is not a great deal of visible diversity.   Using power or class lens allows for the students to look at race in a different manner that is less uncomfortable for the individuals who are not a part of the racial majority.

            Literary theories can still be used for those students that are not at a very high level of comprehension. However, Appleman suggests using them on shorter texts rather than novels, at least at first so the students can learn to use them in a smaller context.  Seeing many different sides of stories allows for students to grow and see things through a much larger lens.  The students will be able to see the world from the perspectives they do not share and can better connect to characters in texts.  Students will essentially become more accepting of those who are different than them and become a more rounded individual.  These literary theories encourage and allow the students to make connects from the literature to their own lives and from their own lives and to the world.