Hello Everyone,
I am looking forward to finding my way around all of this technology.
Below you will find my response to the article.
Okay, Happy Blogging Everyone.
Roxanna
The first respond that came to my mind when reading the articles responses to the concerns found in reading literacy in secondary education was the old adage, “It wasn’t me”. I think a lot of teachers simply are overwhelmed by this issue and do not know how to approach in the classroom. I would agree with the article that the math and the science teacher for example, do not feel it’s their duty to address student reading. But at the same time will agree that educating our students is a universal duty and concern. I would suggest that instead of trying to simple place blame on the teacher or teachers that came before that teacher make a concentrated effort to be more proactive in the classroom. For example, that math and science teacher could not just assign weekly vocabulary words for students to define but make an effort to properly pronounce those words and give more opportunities for students to read, write and use those words in a sentence. I also, think that a lot of times so of those activities or exercise that we deem as being geared solely of the primary levels are worth revisiting at times at the secondary levels when the need presents itself.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that a strong point was made about Mathematics and Science teachers being a little behind other teachers as far as using literacy in their content ares with only just key words recognition and not enough time on how and what literacy are available to their subject that could support them in the classrooms. First, I believe it is what lack of support from staff and education that Math and Science teacher use literacy less. Secondly, I feel that certain teachers have their own bias when it comes to literacy in their classrooms. Schools and teachers must work together to make a change.
ReplyDeleteI like how you said we all need to take ownership of literacy and not place blame. I think a lack of support, resources, and time contribute to the "it's not my problem" attitude.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that some types of activities learned at earlier stages in the process should be revisited! That is at the heart of the spiral curriculum model - the reinforcement of previous learnings that will enable growth into new skills.
ReplyDeleteI agree and disagree with your comment soley because I am a science teacher but in a level five school with special education students that are reading on a lower level so I use reading techniques in my current classroom along with lower grade reading materials and modified materials. I can see how some teachers in a regular setting can overlook the fact that literacy should be incorporated in the class but is following a strict curriculum to help students pass standardized text. So with that being said I can see how math and science teachers can overlook the inportances of using content literacy in their classrooms.
ReplyDeleteAgain another one agree with the need for overhaul in the literacy approach in education, in particular secondary education in the math and sciences, but there is a possible approach to literacy approach to math and sciences, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
ReplyDeleteI too agree that it's okay to revisit some materials. Like Rochelle stated, I feel that lack of support, time, and resources lend themselves to the "its not my problem" attitude. In addition, I feel that sometimes lack of knowledge on the teacher's behalf leads to that attitude as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment regarding the revisiting, in secondary schools, of concepts that were learned in primary schools. When so many of my high school students, quite surprised by the way, gasp at the fact that there is a correct way to begin a sentence with the word "Because", I remind them that at one time before they could run, they learned to walk. Before they could walk, they learned to crawl. These baby-steps exist as stepping-stones from which further building is a necessity. It's always a fun lesson for me - and one that I have learned to encourage my students to enjoy, too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you response as far as teachers want to pass the responsibility to the next teacher. I think you hit the nail on the head saying that there needs to be a “concentrated effort” meaning that if we are all on board students may be more successful than just a few teachers encouraging content literacy. I think that as professionals, we need to be willing to change. If we continue to have this “it wasn’t me” ideation or wait for the next person to help the student, we all fail and have robbed our students of the opportunity to appreciate words, and participate in debate on a given topic of reading something. I believe it begins with the teachers who have the power to provide reading and discussion opportunities.
ReplyDeleteComing from a Science in Math background I do see where reading can be incorporated, but we have to make sure we are meeting our students were they are. I believe that is precisely why Dr. Moje decided to explore the concept of “Disciplinary Literacy.” This leaves it up to the teachers and administrators to find a way to research and implement strategies to accomplish these literacy teaching in all content areas.
ReplyDeleteAs one who doesn't directly deal with literacy in the classroom, I feel overwhelmed when thinking about how to teach this subject area. I don't feel that it is not my duty, I just don't know the best ways to teach literacy. I feel it is every teacher's responsibility to teach the child, just not the subject area teacher.
ReplyDeleteIts funny how we all have talked visiting our colleauges blogs about how teachers dont feel its their duty and they get blamed for it. But just as some have said about what students learn early sholud be revisited, children need to be more literate prepared by parents/guardians when they begin school.
ReplyDelete