To Follow the Direction of The Golden Compass. How to help pupils with their search for identity through literature.

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to show why and how you should use literature and in particular the novel The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman in the English language classroom. The fact that the novel belongs to the fantasy gengre is discussed. For example how fantasy can create an opportunity to create a credible female hero thus opening a platform for discussing gender issues. The novel is examined from several different pedagogical perspectives. It is a sample of valuable authentic material and as such can be a useful tool to ensure both culture and language enrichment. The focus is on how the novel should be used to help pupils develop their identities as well as their language skills. The pedagogical theories are supported on the goals found in the national curriculum for the compulsory school forms as well as the syllabus. One of the key methods recommended is Aidan Chambers' booktalk and a classroom of "multiple voices". There are also examples of classroom activities.