Chapter 9

Journal Entry # 9

How do you think that your understanding and appreciation of literature can be enhanced by working either in pairs or in small groups?

Two heads are better than one. Our understanding of an issue is very much influenced by our own past experience. Since other people have different experiences from us, their understanding of the same issue might be totally different from ours. Therefore when we work in pairs or in small groups to discuss our reading with others, we can share the differences and we can look at the issue in another person’s perspective.

Group work and pair work allow us to exchange ideas with the group members, which in turn fosters the sense of belonging and respect for each. We also learn to be tolerant especially if our points of view differ from the others. That does not mean that they are wrong. If we keep an open mind and are willing to accept these differences we will have more enriching and meaningful lives. So our understanding and appreciation of literature is enhanced by working in pairs or small groups because we get to hear other people’s ideas and share our ideas with them.