The Graphic Classroom

Yesterday we took a brief look at an educational instructional innovation that is gaining acceptance nationally, the idea of using comic books to teach reading and writing. Our post focused on the notion that it is essential to get investment from students if we want to them to learn. Therefore, if comics bring about greater student investment, then in our view they should definitely be given careful consideration.

However, today we turn to Chris Wilson, author and editor of the site “The Graphic Classroom” and teacher who is currently attending graduate school full time. Mr. Wilson sees the concept in a far more in depth manner. He feels that comics do a great deal more than help keep students invested in learning. In fact, Wilson’s number one goal is to develop of a love for reading in all his students - for him, the comic genre is one method to develop that love.

Wilson also offers an exceptionally different view than most who see the use of comics as potentially lowering classroom standards and reinforcing lazy reading habits. As with all texts, Wilson notes there are a variety of levels. Therefore the idea of using comics is much more than the traditional notion of introducing students to the group of superheroes that we adults associate with the concept. In other words there are more sophisticated comics than Spider-Man, the Hulk and Wonder Woman.

Below we present our interview with Chris, a passionate educator who believes unequivocally that comic literature should be a part of every classroom teacher’s tool kit. We present it in question and answer format so that readers can see the depth of thought Wilson has put into the use of this form of literature.

We think when you are done you will completely understand why many educators are now actively utilizing this concept.

Chris, can you give us a brief idea of what is meant by the term comic book?

When we think of comics, most people think of Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Hulk, and Wonder Woman. Yet, comic literature consists of so much more than the caped superheroes of yore. Those characters and titles still exist, and some of them are quite good, but they do not make up the whole of comic literature. There is so much more..."

Lees verder op:

http://www.openeducation.net/2008/01/24/innovative-teaching-chris-wilson-discusses-the-comic-book-movement/