Content-Area Variation of Academic Language – Reflection
“Just as birdwatchers are always on the look out for important birds, [teachers] must be on the lookout for key terms and phrases in [their] texts, tasks, tests, and talk (p.99).”
I enjoyed looking at various branches of academic language used in the four main school disciplines. Even though I’m in Business Education discipline, it was helpful for me to take a look the language used in math discipline since much of Accounting and Economics involves mathematical skills. Like math, accounting mostly involves solving problems, working with others to solve problems, and working alone to solve problems. The conversation between the Student F and teacher, however, made me realize that solving problems require as much language skills as mathematical skills. If the student does not understand the brick terms in a given problem, student will not be able to solve the problem, no matter how good he or she may be in math.
The the quote above made me reflect on my previous view in teaching Business courses. I associated Marketing with language skills and Accounting and Economics with mathematical skills. I realize that, despite which course we teach, we must always be aware of key terms and phrases in our teaching.
Zwiers mentions that she now does not remember the facts she learned in school, but the thinking skills she has acquired in school still serves her in a variety of ways – in courses, jobs, and life challenges. When I begin teaching, I want to go beyond teaching facts and equations – I want to teach my students critical thinking skills that will help them overcome challenges in life.