EDUC 591H - Workshop: Teaching Multicultural Literature: A Workshop for the Middle Grades

This workshop introduces teachers to ethnically diverse American writers and offers dynamic instructional strategies and resources to make works meaningful for students.

This workshop includes eight one-hour videos in which teachers model effective approaches - based on reader response, critical inquiry, cultural studies, and critical pedagogy - for using multicultural works in the classroom. In units that unfold over time, they also demonstrate activities and practices that engage students in critical discussions of race, class, and social justice, and empower them to take action for change.

The featured teachers, along with leading educators, provide reflection and commentary throughout the programs. Authors share information on their works and about their lives through interviews and classroom visits.

A robust website extends the video content with author biographies, synopses of the works, information on how to implement the teaching strategies, summaries of the video lessons, student work samples, resource materials, and annotated bibliographies. A downloadable guide includes short works of literature featured in the workshop, along with discussion questions, activities, and weekly assignments, to engage teachers in professional development and learning experiences similar to those they might provide in their own classrooms.

Review the coursework requirements and the supporting website for more information.

Annenberg Media (formerly Annenberg/CPB) funds and distributes multimedia professional development courses and resources to advance excellent teaching in American schools. These educational video programs with coordinated Web and text materials help teachers enhance their expertise in their fields and refine their teaching methods. The School of Education at Colorado State University offers graduate credit for teachers enrolled in these professional development courses. Educational video programs with coordinated interactive web and text resources form the basis for these courses and can be accessed at the Annenberg Media website.

Instructors

Pam Coke
(970) 491-6848

Ph.D. Language, Literacy, and Culture, University of Iowa; B.A. English, University of Northern Iowa; Teaching certification in English and French.

Dr. Coke teaches courses in adolescent literature, intermediate composition, teaching composition, teaching reading, multicultural literature (graduate seminar), and English teaching methods. Her research interests include the transition from elementary to secondary school, gender and education, teacher collaboration, and teacher education.