Dr. Moje emphasizes the need for educators to involve students in the learning process and incorporate reading in subject areas. Moje explains that students are not in school to learn things they already know; they are in school to learn a new way of thinking, to challenge information and read to locate proof of the topic. It is through reading and questioning, Moje says that students who read in all subject areas and better thinkers. I agree with this, reading should not be left to English class. Reading includes the ability to read a select article of information and gather data; however, it always includes the ability to read and then apply this prior knowledge to understanding the language of science, mathematics even health and history. Having students read in all subject areas first, provide more opportunities to read, second, it broadens the students’ vocabulary. Dr. Moje’s emphasis on secondary literacy is a great and ideal learning experience to have better readers and thinkers. While I agree with her stand on literacy in secondary schools in subjects classes, I feel that schools need to provide staffing and the opportunities for educators to allow students to read more instead of focusing on upcoming standardized tests. It is with the assistance of the school system that educators can begin to believe in providing more opportunities for students to read more approachable and interesting things instead of almost being force feed strict lessons to meet indicators.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Involving students in literacy is important. Students feel a sense of ownership and pride when they are involved. While keeping students interested is very important, there are certain instances where non-approachable, strict lessons are necessary. Since students take tests on what seems to be a bi-weekly basis, there is a core knowledge that needs to be reinforced and practiced. If a student can not tell you the difference between to, too, and two, there is a problem (and I have students like that).
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is an overemphasis on standardized tests, and that students should experience literacy across the curriculum. While students should not be taught what they already know, accessing learning that they have had outside of the formal school setting can be a powerful tool that can hook some students into school learning.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your way of thinking in relation to the article and podcast by Dr. Moje. We are doing are students a total injustice when we are teaching subjects that they already have knowledge in just for the sake of standardized testing. I also agree with the point you made about having additional help in the classroom or outside of the classroom to aid in literacy improvement for students that are struggling in reading.
ReplyDeleteHello Ms Morris,
ReplyDeleteI think you make a valid point. Too often I think we do believe students will perform better on standardized test when the teacher covers large amounts of textbook information, when the missing element in student learning is his ability to read with comprehension. I think that the students who perform best in school are those who read text and have a better understanding of the vocabulary, then those who are just cramping for information to pass a test.
I believe your analysis of Moje’s illuminates the complexities educators face every day. They are asked to "build a plane while they are flying it;" unfortunately they are limited by the many objective placed on their plates. You are correct that we must find a balance while making sure all outcomes are considered and meet.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you when you commented that basically reading is reading no matter what class it is in. I always incorporated reading in various forms and medias in my social studies classrooms. But I made it much more interesting then some of the same topics that were being addressed across the curriculum in Language Arts class.
ReplyDelete