Double Journal Entry #8

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

The challenge is how to get ALL students to be successful in school and also ensure that ALL students are able to learn, think, and act in new ways to fit in our growing high-tech world.

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

There are different "ways with words" or different ways of thinking needed to be used as tools to get different jobs done in the world today.

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

"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" (J. Gee, 2004).

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

The first thing that comes to my mind is texting. All of the abbreviations and acronyms are a different "way with words."

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

People learn theses "way with words" best when they can tie the words and structures of these languages to experiences they have had.

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

People must become "shape-shifting portfolio people"; people who gain many diverse experiences that they can then use to transform and adapt themselves for fast changing circumstances throughout their lives (J. Gee, 2004).

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 completely because today's technological world doesn't revolve around this academic language. There is much more needed to be successful in today's world.

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

Throughout most of the reading, I became lost and had to re-read certain parts for better understanding. I felt as if the wording used was difficult to comprehend.

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