1. What was the most interesting idea you encountered as you read the chapter?
That while academic language used in many different worlds and institutions, it is only learned in school. Unlike other forms of language and literacies, it isn't incorporated very much in everyday life, especially for young people. This underexposure might make us question whether it is the most important language to focus on and at the very least should make us question using it as our sole language we teach in school.
2. What connections can you make between Gee's critique and Sir Ken Robinsons' critique of traditional schooling?
They both focus on the inevitable fact that we need reform in school and we need to embrace all different kinds of learners. Also, they focus on reaching students by using experiential learning and taking advantage of the cultural capital students bring to the classroom.
3. How did this book change or support your understanding of good teaching?
It supported my view that all teachers need to focus on reaching all learners and be willing to think outside of the box and teach 21st century skills. Just the example of how young people learn from video games and how they learn and acquire specialized language really reinforces for me that we need to take advantage of the technology young students are connected to.
