Double Entry Journal #8

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

The main challenge being addressed in this book is connecting the importance of language, literacy, and learning.  Language being used in the schools are becoming more difficult and challenging for students throughout each discipline, content area. 

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

“Ways with words” means that each content area has a different language that is being used in order for students to learn.  The students need to learn to adapt to different situations and use their “way with words” according to the situation they are in or the content they are learning. 

The author says, “These new ways are the ways with words (and their concominant ways of thinking) connected to contemporary digital technologies and the myriad of popular culture and specialist practices to which they have given rise”. 

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

The author says, “But, then, the core argument of this book will be that people learn new ways with words, in or out of school, only when they find the worlds to which these words apply compelling”.  Therefore, the core argument of this book is that people will adapt to the situate they are in by using the different language associated with that situation.    

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

Outside of school I played girls softball for many years.  While playing softball I had to learn the different rules and words associated with the game.  So I had to learn the “ways with words” for softball.  I had to learn what a “ball” and “strike” were considered and also had to learn how to “slide”.  I also had to learn the different positions of the outfield and infield. By playing softball I am now able to understand the game if someone is talking about it or if I am playing it myself.

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

The author states, “People learn (academic and non-academic) specialist languages and their con-comitant ways of thinking best when they can tie the words and structures of those languages to experiences they have had- experiences with which they can build simulations to prepare themselves for action in the domains in which the specialist language is used (e.g. biology or video games)”.

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

The author says that if people are to be successful in the 21^st century, then they must become “shape-shifting portfolio people”.  These people are ones who gain many diverse experiences and can adapt themselves for different circumstances that may occur in their lives. 

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

In a way I kind of agree with the author, but on the other hand I do not agree with the author.  I agree with the author because I think it is important for everyone to learn academic language in order to be successful throughout their educational career.  I do not agree with the author on this statement because some people are not going to be using academic language for their job and will still be successful.  I think it just depends on the situation and job that you will partake in when you are older.  I think that some people can be successful even if they do not understand the academic language. 

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

I   thought the first paragraph was way over my head; I was thinking “Oh no, this book is going to be so hard to read and I am going to be bored”.  After the first paragraph, I thought the book was beginning to get interesting.  I like how he is actually talking to the reader through his writing.  I also like how he numbered the points that were going to be discussed throughout the book.  It has been pretty easy to read so far and I haven’t hit the “black hole” yet.

Source:
Gee, James Paul. Situated language and learning: a critique of traditional schooling. New York: Routledge, 2004. Print.