Frankenstein: A key resource for developing critical and creative skills in English teacher education
Author
Vega-Abarzúa, Jessica
Full text
https://cuadernosdeinvestigacion.unach.cl/index.php/rcci/article/view/e4210.59758/rcci.2025.3.e42
Abstract
This essay explores the potential of Frankenstein as a fundamental resource for teacher education, specifically in fostering critical and creative skills among pre-service English teachers. By engaging with the novel through practical, thought-provoking activities, teacher candidates can enhance their understanding of ethical, literary, and pedagogical issues. The essay examines how the novel’s themes, including the consequences of ambition, ethical responsibility, and isolation, provide a rich context for developing reflective thinking and problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, it suggests how Frankenstein can be integrated into teacher education programs, not only as a literary text but as a catalyst for inquiry-based learning. Through a series of interactive exercises, the essay argues that Frankenstein encourages teachers to engage deeply with the text and apply its lessons to contemporary educational contexts. By incorporating ethical dilemmas and character analysis, pre-service teachers can develop a more holistic approach to teaching, promoting critical inquiry and creativity in their future classrooms. Ultimately, this approach aligns with the goals of teacher education in the 21st century, preparing educators to foster a reflective, ethically aware, and creative learning environment for their students.