blog number two

           Gee-"In the traditional view, concepts are like general definitions in the mind(like definitions for words in dictionaries). In the traditional view, the mind thinks through stored "facts" and grand generalizations that are like statements in logic"(PG91).



Ritter- In this statement Gee is explaining the conventional methods that most teachers use in teaching students. They teach them in a black or white fashion. They give you the facts and they expect you to memorize them, then they test you and that`s it. This method believes that grades are how you judge a student`s knowledge. This method does not allow a student to transfer knowledge. It does not allow a student to be creative and it makes a concept fixated and a finished thought. Gee, points out in this book "Concepts are never set and finished". The common method of teaching is in contrast to Gee`s belief. This method of teaching also hurts the students who need the most help. It does not allow students who need help, to transfer their knowledge and experiences in order to relate to certain concepts.



Williams- "Experiment with search tools like Google and Yahoo to expand your search into images and news"(pg39).



Ritter- It is very important that you continue to search after you get your initial feedback. This is because there is still much more information available to you. This is something that I did not know until reading this book, learning this information makes sites like Google and Yahoo much more valuable.





Gee-"Different cultural models hold different implications"(PG151).



Ritter- This is a great statement. There are certain families where a student getting anything less than an A is a cardinal sin. There are other families where if the teenager stays out of prison, then he isn`t doing half-bad. A teacher must be able to deal with both of these types of extreme situations in order to be an effective teacher. You must be able to incorporate lesson plans that both types of student`s can relate to. You must have an demeanor that different types of students can feel comfortable with. It is a extremely hard thing to do, but that is what doing the job right requires.



Gee- "The first strategy, calling on previous experience, is an example of what learning theorists call "transfer"(pg126).

Ritter- The transfer theory of teaching is an excellent way to get through to students. It allows them to relate a subject matter that they are knowledgeable about to a subject matter they are struggling with. It is a great tool for teachers to use in order to get students more interested in their class. It also can help struggling students to work harder and not to become frustrated or hopeless in a class. In order to get through to a struggling student, you must somehow get their attention. This method provides an avenue to use various different content material in order to reach them. In order to challenge an exceptional student you must grab their attention as well. This method can help an exceptional student soar to new levels.



Gee- "If you can`t use "democracy" in a situation specific way in such dialogues, then the word does not make sense to you, no matter how well you can repeat its dictionary definition"(pg85).



Ritter- This is a very important lesson in both teaching and learning. One does not know the meaning of a word, just by memorizing its dictionary definition. A person does not know how to dribble a basketball, just by bouncing it on the floor. There is a way of dribbling correctly and one must learn how to do that. A student must learn out to relate the word to real life, as well as be able to carry on a conversation involving the word.