Double Entry Journal #8

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

I feel that the main challenge being addressed in this book is to figure out how educators can make reading and learning fun for the students so that they enjoy the content material that they are learning. Often students shy away from material because it is difficult for them to read therefore making children hate reading in general.

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

When the author uses the term "ways with words" he is meaning that some words can become more meaningful to the student. Just how someone reads aloud or asks someone to do something, etc. can motivate the receiver of the information to succeed rather than just shy away. Having a "way with words" can entice many students to desire the material presented.

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

I feel that the core argument made by the author of this book is to show how people/students can learn and understand new ways of words and how they are compelled to do so and that this can happen in or outside of the classroom.

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

An example of a "way with words" that I encountered was in high school, my best friend and I took stats for our high school football team. The language in which the plays were communicated would definitely not be easily communicated to those who did not play on the team or work with the team. The "way with words" motivated the team to perform and instructed them exactly how to do so.

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

According to the author, people best learn a specialized variety of a language or a way with words when they can tie the words into experiences that they have had in the past and how they related their emotions and feelings about what was communicated.

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

According to the author, if people are to be successful in the 21st century, they must become " Shape-shifting portfolio people" Defining this term can be a little difficult. It means that they must object themselves to diverse and challenging experiences and adapt themselves in order to accommodate a fast-changing world.

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

I could not disagree more. I feel that students must be able to understand the content material in which they are learning or they will not be able to excel within the material and make sense of it.

Citations: Gee, J. P. (2004). Situated language and learning. New York, NY: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.