Natural Curiosity

     WOW - what a unit! Burke begins this particularly lengthy but rich chapter by choosing a "big idea" to explore. Romeo and Juliet is required reading for many (freshmen) students, and while the big ideas are there the modern connections to students are not as overt. Instead of denying this and continuing to subject his students to lessons as old as Shakespeare's prose, Burke takes on the challenge by focusing the play on the big idea of "relationships." What's not to like?! Not only can this help students better relate the material to their own lives and understanding, but it forces them to face the different aspects of relationships (familial, friend, mentor, etc.) and what makes them good or not-so-good. The starter for this unit is not only something so ingenious, so interesting, and so fitting, but so . . . simple. Interviews! Not only are interviews a great way to explore questions, but learn even more because it is being broken down by questions to discover knowledge and information. For students, it's a great excuse and format to learn about their parents' marriage(s) (or lack thereof); learn to write and phrase questions appropriately; speak with someone about a serious topic for the sake of academia; and learn more about relationships and how it relates to Romeo and Juliet.

     Burke is BIG on graphic organizers. This is the next step he takes in exploring relationships. As important as questions are in guiding and shaping thinking, being able to synthesize what was asked and the answers are really what help students come to realizations and solidify their thinking on the topic. Not only do graphic organizers help students organize their thoughts and interviews, but act as a great tool and resource in guiding their further, deeper thinking; ideas and values surface, they are enlightened by new information that may challenge their thinking, and this circle of thinking is on a direct path to fullness. What I had found most important, however, is how exploring big ideas and questions can actually help students better understand and appreciate - maybe even enjoy - Romeo and Juliet! Their not walking blindly into the dense, frilly language of Shakespeare with a complete feeling of disconnect, but a mind that is open to the big idea Shakespeare also explored centuries ago. Exploring relationships for and in the play give them a background of the story (and its theme and purpose), a reference to fall back on, and motivation to see just what Shakespeare meant. If he shared the same thoughts centuries ago that the students are now, it's a least worth a gander. An effective graphic organizer can help make this happen! Among many other things, of course. But, these explorations can not only lead to more literate and articulate teens, but individuals who can think (for themselves) and maybe - just maybe - make better decisions in their various relationships. A.K.A., actually learn something useful and lasting!

     Burke concludes the chapter of his unit by describing how, in the midst of Romeo and Juliet and personalized guidelines, he gives them a choice and chance to explore a "big idea" of interest to them through various reading materials. In this case, one autobiography, biography, and memoir. Although it appeared random to me amongst all the graphic organizers and relationship exploration, it makes sense; students need a breather from Romeo and Juliet. And, the only way to benefit from that breath and stay motivated is through choice. Not only does this motivation lead to deeper thinking and bigger ideas, but many different ones! By allowing students to explore their personal interests through this reading, their learning is essentially personalized. In addition, they are most likely and most often working harder and challenging themselves because they are in the pursuit of what they want to know; little do they know, their results benefit them and their instructor in so many wonderful ways. These things, friends, add up to the natural curiosity of human beings, and the best kind of learning (and teaching) one can experience.


:)