D&Z Chs. 9-10

           Chapter 9 in Subject Matters deals with book clubs and how to implement them in the classroom.  I just want to say that book clubs can be an excellent learning tool.  The whole idea of letting students work together in collaborative groups while reading a book to escape typical “school time” is awesome.  If it is done correctly, book clubs offer students the opportunity to experience books outside of common reading lists, build vocabulary, practice respectful interaction with peers, and become elf-regulated learners.  There is one, large set-back, though.  Some teachers may wonder how they can get students to participate in the activity.  Never fear: D&Z were kind enough to offer some suggestions to this problem.

 

 

            Student participation is fundamental in utilizing book clubs.  In fact, I have been involved with a couple—some were successful and enriching for me as a student, and some were absolutely not.  The common denominator for those groups which were successful for me was student-decided norms.  In those classes, my teachers let individual groups decide what the rules would be.  The ineffective book clubs did not involve students’ input on the norms for the group.  I think letting students decide how their clubs will work offers another layer of motivation to complete the work and participate in discussions.  Furthermore, students will hold each other accountable to get the work done. 

            Another thing to consider is group size.  D&Z suggest that the target group size is four members.  Two or three members do not offer enough diverse input, and smaller groups are too vulnerable to absences.  Groups of six or more allow some students are able to hide and rely upon other members to do the work.  Four people, however, will be able to share equal responsibility.  This target number will also offer a good range of input from a diverse group. 

 

            (The video below offers a visual over-view of many of the concepts discussed in the text.)