Decolonizing the Literature Classroom: A Journey of Collaboration and Empowerment

✨Collaborative decision-making empowers students and promotes a student-centered classroom.

🌍Addressing imperialism and authoritarianism in literature promotes critical thinking and a global understanding.

📚Selecting postcolonial novels written by tri-continental authors promotes diversity and representation in literature.

🗣️Encouraging deep listening and dialogue in class discussions fosters meaningful engagement among students.

🌟Developing course agreements with students promotes mutual respect and creates a safe and inclusive learning environment.

How do you choose the novels to read in the classroom?

—I provide a list of postcolonial novels written by tri-continental authors and encourage students to add their own suggestions. We then vote on the top four choices and select novels from different cultures if possible.

How do you ensure student participation in class discussions?

—I create a student-centered and student-run classroom where everything is done in collaboration with the students. I also establish course agreements to guide class discussions and promote meaningful student engagement.

How do you assess student understanding and progress?

—I develop grading rubrics with students for their weekly discussions and final essay. Students also evaluate their peers' context presentations, fostering a supportive and constructive learning environment.

What resources do you use to provide cultural context for the novels?

—I encourage students to research and provide cultural context for the novels we read. We also discuss supplementary readings and essays, such as Octavio Paz's 'Labyrinth of Solitude' and Sandra Cisneros' 'Guadalupe Sex Goddess.'

How do you address diverse perspectives in the classroom?

—By selecting novels from diverse cultures and discussing feminist and indigenous critiques, we explore different perspectives on topics like masculinity, femininity, and post-colonialism.

00:01Introduction to the process of decolonizing the literature classroom

01:14Engaging students in collaborative decision-making and selecting postcolonial novels written by tri-continental authors

03:32Creating course agreements and promoting deep listening and dialogue in class discussions

05:00Developing grading rubrics with students and fostering a supportive and constructive learning environment

06:16Exploring supplementary readings and essays to provide cultural context for the novels

08:40Promoting diverse perspectives through the selection of novels and discussing feminist and indigenous critiques