Larger+Discussion+Questions

Discussion Questions:

There is some confusion about whether or not there is a necessity for a standard metalanguage or whether the authors are advocating for a method of developing metalanguage, which itself does not need to be standardized. The authors treated the idea of the metalanguage as if it were already a standard. This does not mean that the content was being standardized, just the tools to instruct and destruct the content.

The ideas of multiple literacies are equally valid and applicable. The problem is if we embrace all sets of skills and instead of instructing universal set of skills, we hone in on the skills brought to the context, are we not perpectuitng the social norms that they were born into. Then the question remains is there a innate heriachy about what you are calling the norm.

Measuring success for different students. "However, it may well be that market-directed theories and practices, even though they sound humane, will never authentically include a vision of meaningful success for all students." This assumes that college is attainable for everyone or at least some sort of higher education/career/profession.

One must question the relevance of this article, being that it is from 1996. Is the need still valid, has it played out?

What is the make-up of this group of ten? Ethnicity? Gender? Socio-economic background? Educational background?

Comprehension Questions:

The article argues that the workplace today is more collaborative system than a hierarchy. However, this is only one small segment of the workforce. It does not reflect the genuine diversity of the workforce.

"However, it may well be that market-directed theories and practices, even though they sound humane, will never authentically include a vision of meaningful success for all students." I'm not sure I understand what the authors mean when they say these theories and practices "sound humane." Is this somehow related to the idea of the "American Dream"? There are different jobs for different intelligences. This is related to the hierarchy idea. Ideally that hierarchy would not exist in the workplace. Being able to work with other people collaboratively even with different skill sets. However, this brings up the question that each person brings in a certain background with a certain language to the work context.

If the students don't have the practice with the social language, they will not be able to access or climb the hierarchy that does exist.

We are the ones, as educators, responsible for changing the game. We are redesigning and allowing students to have access to the material.

Civic pluralism, they are dictating pluralism, it seems like a paradox.

Should there an appropriate education for women? Is there a distinction of education for women and men?

(Christine, Emily, Galen, Kristen, & Lynne)