Return-Path: <nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h5AJxDC11892; Tue, 10 Jun 2003 15:59:13 -0400 (EDT) Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 15:59:13 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <001701c32f89$6ef54a60$130101c8@workstation1> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "George Demetrion" <george.demetrion@lvgh.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-4EFF:2361] Re: theory (whole language) and motivation X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2800.1106 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 3658 Lines: 94 Without getting into the substance of Tom's comments at this point, the Journal of Literacy Research is a highly reputable blind peer review journal. Here is an overview from their web page that can be accessed at: http://nrc.oakland.edu/jlr/archive/index.html JLR Journal of Literacy Research is an interdisciplinary journal publishing research related to literacy, language, and schooling from preschool through adulthood. Articles published in JLR consist of original research, critical reviews of research, conceptual analyses, and theoretical essays. JLR publishes research concerning all aspects of reading and writing including the interrelationships among the various uses of language that affect literacy. Investigations of the social, affective, cognitive, pedagogical, technological, and political dimensions of literacy are appropriate for publication in JLR. Articles represent diverse research paradigms and theoretical orientations, and they employ a variety of methodologies and modes of inquiry. JLR serves as a forum for sharing divergent areas of research and pedagogy and encourages manuscripts that open dialogue among professionals in a variety of disciplines. Note the last two sentences in particular. Whether or not the article passes the research litmus test Tom sets out for it, the piece contans 5-6 pages of references of a serious scholarly nature. In dismissing those sources as "mainly 'theoretical," Tom is simplifying the range and complexity of those cited references a great deal. No need to give the study serious consideration if it can be dismissed as "merely" theoretical. Focusing on the singular issue of the relationship between student motivation and the appropriation of whole language reading theory by classroom teachers, the study does not propose to delve into the matter of reading methodologies. Rather, it seeks to add to the rich discussion that embeds the work of literacy theory. It seeks to add to the ongoing conversation that gives shape to the field. I've only skimmed it, but on all appearances, the article is a serious scholarly piece that deserves a more reflective response, even if you take issue with it. George Demetrion ----- Original Message ----- From: "tom zurinskas" <tzurinskas@yahoo.com> To: "Multiple recipients of list" <nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov> Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2003 2:57 PM Subject: [NIFL-4EFF:2360] theory (whole language) and motivation > The article written below is the scariest I have ever > read. Written in 1998 after so many years of "whole > language" in our school systems, it can only summon up > mainly "theoretical reasons" why whole language helps > motivation. It cites one study of 8 students, and > another of a class self reported by a teacher using WL > that agrees with the authors premise. Unbelievable. > > Tom Zurinskas > > > > --- George Demetrion <george.demetrion@lvgh.org> > wrote: > > As part of our discussion on reading theory and > > practice, perhaps the > > following article, "Continuities Between > > Motivational Research and > > Philosophy of Instruction," published in a recent > > edition of the Journal of > > Literacy Research, which can be accessed below, may > > be instructive. > > > > > http://nrc.oakland.edu/jlr/archive/v30/article_30_3_1.pdf > > > > George Demetrion > > > > > ===== > Read all about truespel at truespel.com. > Convert text to truespel USA accent by copy/pasting it at: http://www.foreignword.com/dictionary/truespel/transpel.htm > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Calendar - Free online calendar with sync to Outlook(TM). > http://calendar.yahoo.com
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