Democratic Pedagogy?

Today I look a leap of faith and decided to allow students to be in charge of their future learning. From a large list of books, groups researched the different books using the Internet and the tangible features in the book to create a sales pitch to the rest of the class...I had no idea how motivated they could get until they knew their reputation was on the line...I've got some future sales reps, that's for sure. Here's what they decided:

English IV A: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood


English IV B: The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie



I'm very excited to have the opportunity to teach these texts for the first time. The Handmaid's Tale I've read twice before and thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course, I love any dystopian novel that has strong moral/political implications...wow. It blows me away every time.

The Mousetrap I've never read before but I am stoked about reading it. Agatha Christie is one of the greats--it's one of those I probably won't be able to put down...actually, I've got to go right now to read...bye!