Language Learning and Identity

Chapter 3: Language and Identity At Home

1. What are the features of the forms of language that are spoken in a home environment that align with academic varieties of language?

Literary style language, repetition, parallelism, story structure, inversion of syntax, using nouns as subjects, and focus on causality are all features of the the forms of home language that are similar to academic varieties of language. 

2. What are the features of Leona's specialized form of language?

Leona's poetic form of language uses much parallelism and repetition. It also is marked by a clear structure in topics. It could also be interpreted to contain strong symbolism. 

3. Why is Leona's specialized form of language not accepted in school?

Leona's language isn't accepted because it is divergent from the type of language that is considered "standard" for academics. Most in academia expect discourse that is concise and to the point. Her teacher wasn't looking for the "flowery extras" that characterize Leona's language. Because of this she didn't celebrate the complexity and beauty of Leona's language, instead she only see what it lacked in comparison to standard accademic discourse. 

4. Explain the contradiction between the research conducted by Snow et al. (1998) and the recommendations made by Snow et al. (1998).

The research of Snow et al. suggested that poor minority students consistently do poorly in reading in the 4th grade. This occurs whether or not the students show a proficiency for reading in the younger grades. This shows that reading isn't just related to the foundational pieces, like phonics. There are other factors in play. However, Snow et al. suggests that students need more training in phonics and decoding. 

5. What other factors besides early skills training will make or break good readers?

One thing that greatly effects students attitudes towards reading is their attitude towards the type of language used in the school. Students need to feel like this language is part of their life outside of school for them to truly be engaged in mastering it. They also need to feel that learning this type of language won't mean giving up the unique language that they use at home. 

6. Why do some children fail to identify with, or find alienating, the "ways with words" taught in school?

They feel these ways towards academic language in part due to their exposure to these "ways with words" outside of school, especially in the home. If a child has seen that only people that are not part of their circle use academic language then they will be less likely to want to use this type of language. This is because they feel that learning and using the language will separating them from part of their identity. In contrast, if a student hears their parents using academic language regularly at home they are likely to see that this form of language is compatible with who they are.

Strange Learning

1. What is the strange fact about not learning to read? 

Illiteracy is more prevalent among poor students and minorities. 

2. Why is this fact so strange?

This is strange because this disparity is not seen in other types of learning, such as learning to play Pokemon.

3. What is it about school that manages to transform children who at good at learning things like Pokeman into children who are not good a learning?

4. What is the differences between a traditionalists approach to learning to read and more progressive educators?

Traditionalists advocate a bottom up approach where students first learn phonics then create meaning from the text. This approach is very similar to an assembly line. Progressive educators push for a top down form of learning. They feel that students are better able to learn to read when the focus is one meaning. This tactic is similar to the suggested way of helping student learn to read in a second language.

5. Is learning to read a natural process like learning to speak a language? 

No, learning to read ins't a natural process. 

6. What is the differences between natural, instructed and cultural processes and which process should reading be classified under?

Natural processes are biologically supported. They need no catalyst or instruction other than the right input. Instructed processes are traditional school learning. Cultural processes involve the group ensure that all know the subject well enough to survive. This is done by "masters" teaching "students" often in hand-on contexts. Reading is not a natural processes. It can be considered a instructed processes, but students will learn best if it is taught as a cultural process.

7. How do humans learn best? Through instructional processes or through cultural processes? How is reading taught in school?

Humans learn best through cultural processes. Reading is taught as an instructional process. 

8. According to the author, what is the reason for the "fourth grad slump."

9. What is a better predictor of reading success than phonemic awareness?

10. What is the difference between "vernacular" and "specialist" varieties of language? Give an example of two sentences, one written in the vernacular and one written in a "a specialized variety",  about a topic in your content area.

11. What is "early language ability" and how is it developed?

12. According to the author why and how does the traditionalist approach to teaching children to read fail?

13. Are parents of poor children to blame for their children's inexperience with specialized varieties of language before coming to school?

14. Did you struggle with reading this text? Why? Are you a poor reader or are you unfamiliar with this variety of specialized language?

Situated Languages - Introduction

1. What is the main challenge being addressed in the book?

The main challenge being addressed is learning specialist languages and how they are learned.

2. What does the author mean by the phrase "ways with words"?

"Ways with words" refers to the different registers of writing and speaking that are used. It refers to the style and the lexical items that are used.

3. What is the core argument being made by the author of this book? 

The core argument is that schools often fail to take into account the fact that there are specialist languages that must be learned, and in turn, the process of learning them. 

4. Give an example of a specialized variety of a language or "way with words" you have learned outside of school?

One type of specialized language that I have learned out side of school is geocaching speak. In the sport of geocaching there are all kinds of terms and phrases that are specific to the game. These include geocache, swag, park and grab, FTF (first to find), TNLN (took nothing, left nothing), TFTC (thanks for the cache). Specialized languages such as this one can make it hard for people to join a new group or hobby unless the existing members are willing to help them learn. 

5. According to the author, how do people learn a specialized variety of a language or "way with words" best?

People learn a specialized language best when they can tie it to real world experiences and meaning. This process, also known as binding, is encouraged in second language acquisition. Many text books are now using pictures to teach vocabulary because it encourages binding. (Lee & Bill, 2003)

6. If people are to be successful in the 21st century, what must they become?

To be successful, people need to become chameleons in their professions. They must be able to adapt to the changes that are occurring around them.

7. 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 this statement. In our world of the internet, where vast amounts of knowledge are available on demand, worker are expected to know there job and its specialized language. Additionally successful people often have to navigate many different social circles successfully. To do this, they need to at least be familiar with the specialized language of those groups. 

8. What do you think about this author's "way with words"?
I like the author's "way with words". He writes in a style that is professional, maintains some degree of academia, but is still approachable. I is also very readable and not too dry. I'm looking forward to reading more of the book.

Gee, J. P. (2006). Situated language and learning, a critique of traditional schooling. (pp. 1-5). Psychology Press

Lee, J., & Bill, V. (2003). Making communcative language happen. (2nd ed.). London: McGraw-Hill.

Challenges...

There are several challenges to implementing an inquire approach to teaching. One is lack of teacher understand of what inquiry based learning is. Teachers will not be able to implement this teaching style effectively unless they really know what the process entails and the types of supports that students might need. Another challenge can be the lack of previous student experience with working with this type of learning. Students who aren't used to group work will need assistance learning.