Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Moje article and Podcast
Dr. Moje’s article and podcast present an approach to literacy that seems to be out of touch with the test-driven climate in today’s classrooms, as well as the current needs of the students in them. As a music teacher, I wholeheartedly agree that authentic literacy within a given discipline is important. However, teaching literacy in the content areas with the hope of transferring those skills to other contexts seems to be a step before what students actually need, and that is basic reading and writing skills. Moje mentions that a student cannot develop literacy skills without a deep base of knowledge, and knowledge in fundamental reading and writing skills seem to be what students at the secondary school level seem to be lacking. In this respect, Moje appears to put the proverbial cart before the horse.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
To extend your metaphor, what should the "horse" be? Fundamental reading and writing skills? I agree that a deep foundation of knowledge is important to the development of these types of skills.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think Moje is too far off but I understand your opinion which is shared by so many of my own colleagues. I do however; feel that we cannot just succumb to excuses blaming the school system for pushing test scores to think it is acceptable to ignore the need for literacy in all classrooms. It is with the basics, learning to read and write that in content areas, we enforce or encourage our students to continue to read and write. By doing so, we are only improving their skills. If one teacher in math encourages literacy, imagine how it would look in a science classroom, having students reading something they first can connect with and then writing to demonstrate their understanding of what they have read. It is through a sound front as teachers that students with follow. If we don’t believe and take control in the class, how do we as an educational system accept great results on tests?
ReplyDeleteI total agree with the fact the students have a dire need for the basics of reading. They tend to get lost(in my opinion) somewhere between 1st and 3rd grade. This is also the time where they are subjected to standardized tests. See the problem?
ReplyDeleteYour views seem to be more in reality to what is actually going on in the classrooms and in schools where curriculums do not match or are in actualization with students' learning. We must bridge this gap or education fails our children. It must start from beginning to end. How can we do this is by making literacy the capstone of curriculum development, teachers' development, and students' development. We must develop that this is how schools will operate and that each step along the way is improved reading and writing skills no matter what subject.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow non-classroom teacher, I find it very difficult to incorporate literacy in my physical education classes and I am still looking for ways to do so. I believe that all educators naturally feel an inclination to teach their students basic skills that are needed not only in any classroom but the real world. Finding lasting ways to do so, however, has proven difficult for me
ReplyDeleteTheory (such as Dr. Moje) in most cases are based on improving a system, but are not limited by the limitation of that institution or organization. I think we as the practiconers need to find ways to be innovative in our approach. I think when we incorporate these theories we should look at them like a diet; “Think about what you can eat verses what you can’t eat.” We need to make sure we take from her what we can use for our classes and leave what we can’t until we find a way to. But I do agree it is not completely based in reality.
ReplyDeleteThe basis that is needed to be provided is definately a necessity. Literacy within other courses than Language Arts will definately be a step in the right direction. Is it they are lacking the skills or were never taught the basic skills needed in secondary school?
ReplyDelete