Monday, November 5, 2012

Double Journal Entry #11

1. 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"?
I believe the author is trying to convey the message that learning needs to be memorable and relate-able to the students. In order for learning to be productive, it should strike the students interest so they are able to make connections with the content they are about to receive. 


2. According to the author, what is the best way to acquire a large vocabulary?

According to the author, the best way for a student to acquire a large vocabulary is through engaging in conversations with adults. Students are able to learn new words by engaging in conversation and participating in other everyday events. 

3. What gives a word a specific meaning?
The 
meaning of a word is determined by the context in which it is being used. 


4. 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.
          *This sentence shows that the she is no longer required or obligated to
           buy a gift.

  • Them shoes are off the hook, dog.
           *This sentence uses the term to say that the shoes are special or
             cool.

  • Man that cat was fighting 6 people, and he beat them all. Yo, it was "off the hook"; you should have seen it!
          *This sentence uses the term to show excitement.
       
5. According to the author what is the "work" of childhood? Do you agree?
According to the author, the "work" of childhood is play. He believes that playing promotes learning and I would agree with him on this. When children play together they are learning a lot, whether they realize it or not. They're learning basic communication skills and manners. Although it may not seem like much, these are essential skills for everyday life. 


6. 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.

7. 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.

8. What does the author mean by the terms "identify" and "game". Give an example of 3 "identities" or "games" you play.
I believe the author means there are specific behaviors and actions that coincide with different roles we take on in our life. For example, how a person acts depends on who they are around. As a future teacher, I am expected to act professionally and responsibly. As a friend I am expected to listen and have fun. As an employee I act professional and I'm always prompt.

9. According to the author, what is good learning?
According to the author, good learning 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). 



10. 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?
This supports the way I think children should learn in school. Children are always learning, whether it be formal or informal. Models and simulations are great ways to trigger higher order thinking skills. 


11. 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 to peer interaction is important because it provides students with the opportunity to interact with children within their own age group. Interaction with peers is a good way for students to gain insight on others perspectives. I think peer discussion is very important for the learning process in school. Sometimes a peer or classmate is able to describe a concept better, or in easier to understand terms, than the teacher is. 



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

No comments:

Post a Comment