Situated Language and Learning Introduction
1. What is the main challenge being addressed in the book?
The main challenge being addressed in this book is to deal with tensions associated with academic vocabularies while facing the challenge of new ways of words and learning posed by our increasingly technology-rich and global society. It also seeks to find ways to make learning new ways with words interesting to learners, and to address misunderstandings, poor education practices, and other variables that affect how readily students learn to read.
2. What does the author mean by the phrase "ways with words"?
The phrase “ways with words” as used in Situated Language and Learning refers to the multiple vocabularies people are comfortable with depending on their interests. For example, a person who is successful in school is likely very familiar with academic ways with words, while someone else who is not so fluent in that set of vocabulary, may be very familiar with ways with words associated with computer technology and video games. Just as there are different tools to get any given job done, there are different ways with words in different contexts and environments.
3. What is the core argument being made by the author of this book?
The core argument of the book is that people can learn- and enjoy learning- different ways with words both in school and in other environments, if they are interested and personally invested in the context in which they are learning the words.
4. Give an example of a specialized variety of a language or "way with words" you have learned outside of school?
From being on the swim team, I learned the jargon and vocabulary associated with the sport. After a few practices, I knew exactly what the coach meant when she said “I want a 200 kick, a 200 pull, ten fifty frees off the block, and a 200 back cool down, GO!”
5. According to the author, how do people learn a specialized variety of a language or "way with words" best?
According to Gee, people learn a specialized variety of language most readily when they can tie words and their structures to experiences they have had personally. These experiences form a foundation that allows them to build simulations to prepare themselves for participation in the domains of the specialized language, such as calculus or biology.
6. If people are to be successful in the 21st century, what must they become?
In order to be successful in the modern world, people must become “shape-shifting portfolio people” who gain multiple diverse experiences that the use to transform themselves for changing circumstances they will face throughout life.
7. The author states that learning academic language is NOT sufficient for success in modern society?
The author does state that academic language important, but is not enough to succeed in modern society. He believes that people must be ready to learn new specialist varieties of language and thinking outside of school throughout their lives.
8. Do you agree? Why or Why not?
I agree because many things that have enriched my life and made me successful did not come from something I learned in school, but came from my own interests. Many of my most valuable learning experiences have come from reading about and learning about people, places, and environments outside of school that I am interested in, and in some cases, it is these pursuits that have opened the door for jobs and other opportunities. For example, a personal interest in the Holocaust has lead me to do a good deal of reading and reseach about the subject on my own. This foundation of knowledge of the history and events involved gave me a much deeper appreciation and understanding when I visited the Holocaust Museum in D.C. and the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam last spring.
9. What do you think about this author's "way with words"?
I think this author is very articulate and is very comfortable with academic “ways with words”, but understands enough about the way people learn to communicate his content in a way that is not intimidating. He is very successful in using a personal tone and directly addressing the reader as an individual to create a connection to the content.
Source
Gee, P. (2004). Situated language and learning a critque of traditional schooling. NY: Routledge.
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