Double Journal Entry #11

Chapter 4: Simulations and Bodies

What does the author mean when he says, "Learning doesn't work well when learners are forced to check their bodies at the school room door like guns in the old west"?
Learning must be related to the students' knowledge and interest outside of the classroom, and when it is not connected, learning is not as productive. According to Mr. Gee, learning is "outside of their contexts of application" (Gee, 2004) when students cannot apply the material that they are learning to scenarios outside of the classroom.

According to the author, what is the best way to acquire a large vocabulary?
According to the author, the best way to acquire a large vocabulary is through actively engaging in conversation. In doing so, children learn the meaning of words and their contexts.

What gives a word a specific meaning?
The meaning of a word is determined by the context in which it is being used. There are a variety of ways that the same word can be used. The author uses the word "work", for example, in several contexts including: "go to work", "working the system," "it won't work, etc.

What does the term "off the hook" mean in these sentences:

• My sister broke up with her fiance, so I'm off the hook for buying her a wedding present.

          Here, it indicates that she is no longer obligated to purchase a gift.

• Them shoes are off the hook, dog.

           In this instance, it is used to infer that the shoes are "really cool".

• Man that cat was fighting 6 people, and he beat them all. Yo, it was "off the hook"; you should have seen it!

          My guess here is that the phrase is being used to show that it was extremely
          exciting or out of control.
      
According to the author what is the "work" of childhood? Do you agree?
According to the author, the "work" of childhood is play. I do agree with the author because when children play together, they are learning how to share, take turns, help others, consider others' wants and needs; follow the rules, and determine what is fair/not fair. All of these tasks involve language, learning, and determining the degree of appropriateness. It is all about gaining new knowledge but building on prior experience and knowledge.

Why is not reading the instructions for how to play a game before playing a game a wise decision?
By not reading the instructions for how to play a game before playing a game, players become familiar with the tasks. As understanding develops, a frame of reference for expected concepts begins to build.

Does knowing the general or literal meaning of a word lead to strong reading skills?
Knowing the general or literal meaning of a word can lead to strong reading skills if the reader is able to discern the context in which it is being used.

What does the author mean by the terms "identify" and "game". Give an example of 3 "identities" or "games" you play.
The author means that they are specific behaviors one must act out in order to be recognized as a reader or some other "identity".

1. As a future educator, I am supposed to mimic the behavior of a professional educator -acting professional at all times.
2. As a friend, I am expected to be a good listener, especially in times of trouble.
3. As a daughter, I am expected to get good grades and be a kind person.

According to the author, what is good learning?
Good learning, according to the author, is "learning the right moves in embodied interactions in the real world, or virtual worlds, moves that get one recognized as.....enacting the right sort of identity for a given situation" (Gee, 2004).

 

How does the understanding that being able to build a mental model and simulations of a real-world experience are closely tied to comprehending written and oral language support or change the way you think children should learn in school?

It supports the way I think children should learn in school: using play to make mental models and simulations of real world experiences. Children continuously learn, and by creating models and engaging in simulations, chlildren can begin translating learning into other areas.

 

Why is peer to peer interaction so important for the language development of young children? How does knowing this support or change the way you think children should learn in school?

Peer interaction is important because it provides an opportunity for children to engage in conversation. They are able to discuss, compare and contrast, evaluate and critique their own perspectives in relationship to that of their peers. This is important in student learning, especially in collaborative learning where students gain a better understanding of the concept from a classmate rather than just receiving a red X from the teacher. 

Gee, J. (2004). Situated language of learning: a critique of traditional schooling. New York: Routledge.