No Learning Without feeling by Claire Needell Hollander

Summary

The video script discusses the importance of emotional engagement in teaching literature, as emphasized by CLA Needle Hollander, an English teacher and author. Hollander criticizes the Common Core State Standards for focusing on technical skills over the emotional impact of literature, which she believes is essential for authentic learning and critical thinking. She advocates for a curriculum that includes emotionally charged literary works to better prepare students for complex texts and to nurture a deeper connection with reading.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the importance of emotional engagement in learning English literature, as emphasized by author and teacher CLA Needle Hollander.
• 👩‍🏫 CLA Needle Hollander argues that the current educational standards, particularly the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), focus too heavily on technical reading and writing skills, neglecting the emotional impact of literature.
• 🔍 Hollander shares a personal story of a student deeply connecting with Langston Hughes' poem 'The Very Blue,' illustrating the power of literature to evoke genuine emotional responses.
• 📈 The CCSS, adopted in 45 states, is criticized for its emphasis on measurable skills over meaningful literary experiences, which Hollander believes undermines the role of literature in education.
• 🚫 The script points out that the CCSS tends to avoid controversial or emotionally charged literature, reducing students to passive recipients of education rather than active, engaged readers.
• 📖 Hollander advocates for a curriculum that includes significant literary works that can help students develop critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
• 💭 The author expresses concern that by avoiding emotionally charged literature, students are not being prepared for the complex texts they will encounter in higher education.
• 🔄 Hollander calls for a shift in educational practices to prioritize literary experiences that resonate personally with students, enhancing their overall learning and future academic readiness.
• 🌟 The script highlights the unique role of language learning in shaping who we are, implying that selecting meaningful texts for study is crucial for a well-rounded education.
• 📉 The current focus on skill-based standards and standardized testing is seen as missing the mark, as it does not fully address the importance of emotional engagement in literature education.
• 📚 The main takeaway is that to truly educate students, we must engage their emotions and provide them with meaningful, thought-provoking literature, rather than focusing solely on skills and testing.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the discussion in the video script?

The main topic of the discussion is the importance of emotional engagement in learning English literature and the critique of current educational standards, particularly the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which the author argues are neglecting the emotional impact of literature.

Who is CLA Needle Hollander and what is her profession?

CLA Needle Hollander is an English teacher and author who has written a young adult novel and is known for her unique perspective on student interaction with literature.

What is the title of the text by CLA Needle Hollander that the discussion is based on?

The title of the text is 'No Learning Without Feeling,' which emphasizes the importance of emotional engagement in education.

Why does the author believe that emotional engagement is essential in learning English literature?

The author believes that emotional engagement is essential because it makes learning personal and profound, allowing students to connect deeply with the literature and develop critical thinking and emotional intelligence.

What is the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and how does it relate to the discussion?

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is an educational initiative adopted by 45 states in the U.S., focusing heavily on specific reading and writing skills rather than the emotional impact of literature. The author criticizes this approach for overshadowing the importance of emotionally engaging literature in education.

What is the author's view on the use of 'agnostic texts' in education?

The author criticizes the use of 'agnostic texts,' which are neutral, unengaging texts designed for test preparation, arguing that they do not inspire or challenge students emotionally, which she believes is essential for authentic learning and critical thinking.

What is the author's concern regarding the avoidance of emotionally charged and potentially controversial literature in education?

The author is concerned that by avoiding emotionally charged and potentially controversial literature, students are reduced to passive recipients of education rather than active, engaged readers, which hinders the development of deep personal connections and critical thinking.

What does the author suggest should be included in the curriculum to better engage students?

The author suggests that the curriculum should include important literary works that are emotionally charged and have deep philosophical, psychological, and moral meanings, preparing students for complex texts they will encounter in college and fostering genuine, emotionally rich learning experiences.

What is the author's main argument against the current focus on skills and standardized testing in education?

The author's main argument is that the current focus on skills and standardized testing is missing the mark by not adequately addressing the importance of emotions in learning and neglecting the role of literature in nurturing deep personal connections and critical thinking in students.

What is the takeaway message from the author's perspective on education and literature?

The takeaway message is that to truly educate students, it is essential to engage their emotions and provide them with meaningful, thought-provoking literature, and that the current educational system needs to re-evaluate its approach to ensure literature maintains its powerful role in education.

How does the author describe the tone of her critique and reflection on the current educational system?

The author describes her tone as critical, reflective, passionate, and concerned, advocating for a more holistic development approach to teaching literature that values emotional connection and personal engagement.