When asked why students today should still learn Shakespeare, the AI language processing tool ChatGPT snips back promptly: "Shakespeare's works are still relevant today because they explore universal themes such as love, jealousy, ambition, and power that are timeless and applicable to contemporary society. Learning Shakespeare helps to develop critical thinking and language skills, as well as a deeper understanding of the English language and its evolution."
I taught English and creative writing in Ontario for 27 years until 2011. The steady decline in standards and expectations, particularly in my final six years but before that too, was demoralizing, especially for the kids who wanted to be challenged and pushed, by teachers and by peers. Luckily for me I had academic English classes as part of my teaching right to the end but even these classes began to decline in intensity and rigour. The push in Applied English classes to find books that would interest students who weren’t “readers” began before 2001 and, to its credit, resulted in the teaching of books that many reluctant readers did enjoy. But when this goal - enjoying reading because it has been made “easy” or “palatable” - filters to all English classes, it is only just sad. I recall with fondness the eagerness with which my students approached Shakespeare, especially their attempts to bring his words to the stage (our classroom) which is why he wrote the stories as plays, to be acted. Hard things are hard because they’re worth the struggle to come to understand them. Duh.
An absolutely accurate and well written article that succinctly summarizes the key threats to the demise of the English language and even worse to the development of critical thinkers. Great prophetic article.
I taught English and creative writing in Ontario for 27 years until 2011. The steady decline in standards and expectations, particularly in my final six years but before that too, was demoralizing, especially for the kids who wanted to be challenged and pushed, by teachers and by peers. Luckily for me I had academic English classes as part of my teaching right to the end but even these classes began to decline in intensity and rigour. The push in Applied English classes to find books that would interest students who weren’t “readers” began before 2001 and, to its credit, resulted in the teaching of books that many reluctant readers did enjoy. But when this goal - enjoying reading because it has been made “easy” or “palatable” - filters to all English classes, it is only just sad. I recall with fondness the eagerness with which my students approached Shakespeare, especially their attempts to bring his words to the stage (our classroom) which is why he wrote the stories as plays, to be acted. Hard things are hard because they’re worth the struggle to come to understand them. Duh.
Definitely food for thought and gives hope that common sense will prevail. Thank you.
An absolutely accurate and well written article that succinctly summarizes the key threats to the demise of the English language and even worse to the development of critical thinkers. Great prophetic article.
Perfect