A Deweyan Approach to Teaching Literary Inquiry by Richard James Johnson

A Deweyan Approach to Teaching Literary Inquiry by Richard James Johnson

Drawing upon the work of philosopher John Dewey, A Deweyan Approach to Teaching Literary Inquiry describes an inquiry-based, process-oriented approach to making meaning from literary texts.

Beginning with a Deweyan examination of why we teach literature, the book then presents its central argument that textual inquiry should be at the heart of literary education. The chapters systematically address each step in the meaning-making process, offering practical, classroom-tested strategies drawn from the author’s forty-year teaching career. This flexible framework transcends specific texts and grade levels, providing educators with a replicable approach that teaches students not what to think about literature but how to think through it, equipping them with intellectual tools for independent, rigorous reading.

This volume is an essential resource for anyone seeking to move beyond traditional lecture-based approaches to literary study. It will appeal to educators committed to student-centered pedagogy, critical thinking, and the development of transferable reading skills that serve students across disciplines.

Richard James Johnson is Emeritus Professor of English and Education at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City.