When one of my more ornery high school students whined about always having to read “old and boring” texts and asked why we couldn’t learn the same stuff by reading stuff that was more interesting,” I asked her to define more interesting.
She sassily replied-” you know - like stuff that’s interesting
to us now, not stuff that was important a hundred years ago.”
In the vibrant realm of high school English education, inspiring students to engage with contemporary subjects critically is key to fostering their writing abilities and analytical thinking. Finding a balance between choosing texts, students need to read and practice for standardized testing purposes, like AP Language or Literature, and texts relevant to teens' interests for engagement purposes is not always academically feasible.
Student’s writing often reflects their interest in the topic or texts they are writing about. Reflecting on ideas that are “old and boring” lends to writing that mimics the author’s attitudes about the piece.
When writing arguments, many students complain the prompts provided are non-controversial or about topics that they are unfamiliar with. It’s true that academic publishing shies away from topics that might typically be offensive, which is understandable, but if we want students to
enjoy writing and writing relevantly and passionately- we must also be creative in our text selections.
What, or should I say, who could be more relevant and creative than Taylor Swift right now?
I have seen many posts, on social media of fans dressed up for Taylor Swift’s Eras Concerts or celebrating album releases, and headlines from internet articles solidifying her superstar status, and wondered what is so magnetic about her.
Last week I came across the article "Listening to Taylor Swift in Prison, Her Music Makes Me Feel that I’m Still Part of the World I Left Behind.” by Joe Garcia, and I was inspired to create a synthesis writing prompt and assignment for my students centered around an argument about the influence of Taylor Swift. Let's explore the significance and methodology of this innovative educational approach.
Unpacking Taylor Swift's Influence
Taylor Swift, a modern-day cultural phenomenon, stands as an ideal subject for high school students to explore and analyze. Her lyrics, public image, and societal influence provide a rich tapestry for critical examination and interpretation. By integrating Swift into the academic discourse, we can bridge the gap between traditional learning and the students' personal interests, igniting a genuine passion for writing and literary analysis.
Guiding Synthesis Writing
Synthesis writing entails amalgamating information from multiple sources to construct a unique perspective or argument. Taylor Swift's expansive influence offers a wealth of material for students to synthesize. By introducing diverse viewpoints on Swift's music, persona, and societal impact, students can synthesize their analyses into a nuanced and thoughtful composition.
Source Diversity, Varied Insights: Present students with an array of sources, encompassing song lyrics, interviews, articles, and videos. Encourage them to meticulously analyze and synthesize information from these sources, facilitating a holistic understanding of Taylor Swift and her societal imprint.
Crafting a Robust Thesis: Assist students in formulating a thesis statement that encapsulates their synthesized understanding of Taylor Swift's societal influence. Stress the importance of a clear, arguable thesis as the foundation of their synthesis piece.
Substantiating Arguments: Guide students in utilizing evidence from the provided sources to support their thesis. Highlight the significance of employing credible and pertinent evidence to fortify their arguments.
Engaging in Collaborative Critique: Integrate a peer review phase, allowing students to exchange their papers and provide constructive feedback. This not only refines their grasp of synthesis but also nurtures a culture of constructive collaboration and growth.
Revision for Excellence: Reinforce the necessity of multiple drafts and revisions to polish their synthesis essay. Encourage them to refine their arguments and streamline their prose, ensuring a compelling and coherent narrative.
Benefits of Synthesizing Taylor Swift's Influence
Relevance and Engagement: By incorporating Taylor Swift into the academic discussion, you enhance the relevance and engagement of the learning experience, capturing students' interest and making the process more enthralling.
Critical Societal Analysis: This activity fosters critical thinking as students analyze and synthesize diverse sources to comprehend Taylor Swift's multifaceted influence on society, fostering a deeper appreciation of societal dynamics.
Real-World Connection: Exploring Taylor Swift's societal influence equips students with skills applicable beyond the classroom—evaluating various perspectives, forming informed opinions, and articulating them effectively in today's interconnected world.
Tailored Understanding: Students can personalize their synthesis based on their unique interests within the broader canvas of Taylor Swift's societal influence, promoting personalized and enriching learning experiences.
Incorporating a synthesis writing activity centered around Taylor Swift's societal impact not only injects excitement into the classroom but also cultivates vital writing skills and analytical acumen. As an English teacher, you wield the power to channel your students' enthusiasm for popular culture into a robust tool for learning and development. Happy teaching and writing!
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