Double Journal Entry 8

Situated Language and Learning: A Critique of Traditional Schooling: Introduction

What is the main challenge being addressed?
The main challenge being addressed in this reading is finding an instructional strategy that addresses  each student's learning style.

What does the author mean by the phrase "way with words?"
The author when using the phrase "way with words" (in my opinion) is placing emphasis on the various ways to learning. Being that there are numerous new approaches to learning, teachers should address all different ways of learning; it is beneficial for teachers to explore other ways of learning besides the traditional classroom-based learning.

What is the core argument being made by the author of this book?
A majority of educators believe that teaching students to read and students learning to read is the hardest part when it comes to teaching the curriculum. The real issue, however, is that students get frustrated with the vocabulary, wording, and language that is integrated into different content areas. Sometimes "less is more".

Give an example of a specialized variety of a language or "way with words" you have learned outside of school.
Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I was a cheerleader. There is a lot of vocabulary and wording that people would not understand unless they were associated with this sport in one way or another.

According to the author, how do people learn a specialized variety of a language or "way with words" best?
According to the author, people learn a specialized variety of a language or "way with words" best when the individual is ready and willing to learn; he or she must be willing to think in real-world context and apply the learning experiences to his or her everyday life. Individuals learn best when connections are made.

If people are to be successful in the 21st century, what must they become?
In order for people to become successful in the twenty-first century, they must become "shape-shifting portfolio people" -meaning that they must be willing and capable of adapting to a variety of situations.

The author states that learning academic language is NOT sufficient for success in modern society. Do you agree? Why or why not?

I agree with the author. As I previously states, individuals learn best when able to make connections. Hence, this is why scaffolding is vital in the school system. We, as individuals, need to build on prior knowledge, and it is when we incorporate prior knowledge into our everyday lives that we learn and grow.

What do you think about this author's "way with words?"

The author definitely has a "way with words"; the author's writing style was sophisticated yet easy to understand.

Gee, J. (2004). Situated Language of Learning: A critique of traditional schooling. New York: Routledge.