Sandie Friedman's Use Of Popular Culture

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In Sandie Friedman’s “This Way for Vampires: Teaching First-Year Composition in ‘Challenging Times,’” she opposes Adler-Kassner’s claim that popular culture should not be used in a composition classroom. Throughout the article, Friedman presents colleagues in agreeance with her beliefs. She explains that the use of popular culture could boost the interest of students leading to them actually being engaged in what they are learning. Friedman believes that a non-traditional topic could not only entice students, but also encourage teachers to adapt to a new form of teaching. Based on the text, Friedman feels that the hint of freedom in a required course could help students feel less pressured and give them a new view on their educational ventures. This kind of new approach could portray class as less of a requisite for a career and more as a new and exciting experience in life (77-83). I agree with Friedman that using popular culture as topics of interest could keep students engaged, produce new and effective ways of teaching, and give students a new way of viewing their educational ventures. During my time in writing, I’ve noticed that having an interesting topic would easily encourage my writing and keep me focused. Without interest in the task, it is difficult …show more content…

Friedman says, "To put it bluntly, not all students will be interested in researching writing itself, and engagement is essential to learning; if students are not interested, even the soundest pedagogy is of no use" (81). Even some of the greatest teachers need readjustments and pop culture as a topic could push teachers to try something new. Also, seeing a teacher leave his or her comfort zone could show students that teachers are humans too. New teaching could produce new outcomes for learners and possibly ease anxiety due to the fact that students would not be the only ones doing something fresh, new, and

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