QUOTE: “However, by understanding that new language technologies have shifted our students' attitudes about who holds the power in linguistic exchange, we will be better prepared to understand their perspectives and to reach common ground ” (Baron).
REACTION: Naomi Baron makes an argument for easing up on grammar and spelling and seems to suggest that what is appropriate language is being dictated by younger generations. I understand that spelling and grammar doesn’t come easily to every individual and shouldn’t
But I am skeptical about our society going down the slippery slope of language erosion, eventually becoming a Tower of Babel.
Would letting students slide on using formal communication send a message that it is okay to take shortcuts? Granted, word programs do offer spelling and grammar check; however, it is not always 100% accurate. Students wouldn’t be able to discern the difference without being taught fundamental grammar rules and spelling. Yet Baron does make a good point about letting students focus on creativity, problem solving and exploration without being hampered by formality. Tony Wagner echoes that sentiment in an article he wrote based on conversations with hundreds of business and education leaders on preparing students for 21st century careers and citizenship. Wagner cites effective and written communication as one of the seven key skill sets that are highly desired. He summarizes his findings as this:
“Summers and other leaders from various companies were not necessarily complaining about young people's poor grammar, punctuation, or spelling—the things we spend so much time teaching and testing in our schools. Although writing and speaking correctly are obviously important, the complaints I heard most frequently were about fuzzy thinking and young people not knowing how to write with a real voice” (Wagner).
Perhaps what we should be doing in the classroom is put a greater emphasis on content and substance, but still teach students the fundamentals of grammar with one modern day twist: teach students how to properly use software to turn out perfect papers.
References
Baron, Naomi. "Are Digital Medi Changing Language?." Educational Leadership 66.6 (2009): 42-46. ASCD. Web. 2 Sept. 2011. http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar09/vol66/num06/Are-Digital-Media-Changing-Language%C2%A2.aspx
Wagner, Toni. "Rigor Defined. Educational Leadership 66.2 (2008): 20-25. ASCD. Web. 2 Sept. 2011. http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct08/vol66/num02/Rigor-Redefined.aspx
I see ware you ar comming from on the spelling part. There are alot of people including myself that can not spell. But when i text or IM im ok becuase you can abbreviate words or shorten them to ware people still know what your talking about. Then when you said you seen kids useing text messaging slang in there papers i really connected. i have caught myself typing and using "u" insted of "you". Although i went back and corrected my paper i understand ware you comming from. great job :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely right. Something too nonsense to ignore happened in Walmart last week in a conversation between two ladies, she said:" She are sleepy, don't she?". When you make such mistakes, be aware of the consequence, because it is nothing but ridiculous.
ReplyDelete