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| Dr. Roberta Hammett |
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There was a time when being an English teacher meant that you taught reading and writing, but contemporary English learning involves a multitude of forms and representations. Since 1996, English language curricula has been standardized in Canada, with jurisdictional amalgamations in the Western provinces, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic region. Under this framework secondary English language arts have de-emphasized the reading of canonical works and has increased the types of texts to be read, included media education and technology, and broadened the variety of ways students were to compose and represent knowledge.
Drs. Roberta Hammett and Barrie Barrell from the Faculty of Education have brought together the work of over 20 leading researchers in a comprehensive critique of the changing face of subject English in Advocating Change: Contemporary Issues in Subject English. The book looks at similarities in standardized English curricula and the contemporary challenges and transformations taking place within English language arts education. “This book is about re-thinking, not only the subject but also what and how it is taught,” said Dr. Hammett, associate dean for graduate programs.
The book looks at six strands of teaching English: reading and writing, speaking, and listening, viewing, and representing in other ways. The collection aims to assist pre-service and in-service teachers understand and implement the new curricula and adjust to a different conception of English teaching. “The idea of this book arose out of the new vision for secondary English language arts and an evolving view of literacy. It also came into being because of a lack of Canadian texts that specifically addressed contemporary issues in Canadian secondary English education,” said Dr. Hammett.
A new edition of the book will be published in the United States by the Teacher’s College Press.
© Copyright 2002 Memorial University of Newfoundland
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