Double Entry Journal #8

      The main challenge that this book is addressing is the student's "way with words" and the motivation it takes (or doesn't take) to find that way. In school, some students naturally have a way with words and don't have trouble learning new subjects. But that is rare, and a lot of students have trouble finding that way and need help with subjects in school. The authors phrase, "way with words," refers to the students' understanding of subject matter jargon and textbook vocabulary. This, as he defines, is a major component in the learning of ideas associated with the subjects (mathematics, science, etc.). The core argument is that learning new ways with words when they find the worlds the words apply to compelling. Students do not enjoy learning new ideas if they don't understand what is going in, only by immersing them in the language and a way they can understand and participate in, will they enjoy learning subjects.
     When I was little, I played a computer game called "Age of Empires" which was a strategy game that took place in the middle ages. I learned a variety of vocabulary words through that game: trebuchet, cavalry, monk, feudal. All of these were phrases used during that time which were words I hadn't come across yet, that I learned through playing a video game at home rather than at school. The author talks about learning specialized language best outside of school or through the world the word applies to. If a student can live in the world created through that language, then they can learn that language, which is why video games can be a good tool.
      To be successful in the 21st century, people are to become learners, learners who can use their world to gain knowledge they need. The author states that  learning academic language is NOT sufficient for success in modern society, and I agree with this. People do not necessarily need to sound like they are "smart," to be successful in the world. If someone is an expert in their field and are successful, then they obviously only needed to learn what they needed to learn to become an expert. The author talks this up completely. I like the way the author uses his term "way with words," because it is true what he says about the use of textbook and subject jargon. It is the portal to the understanding of the subject, and one of the best ways to pass through that portal is by immersing yourself in the world of that subject. As you live inside this world, you learn to love it, and you experience the jargon firsthand.