Why is it important for teachers to understand the different forms of language arts?
It is important for teachers to understand the different forms of language arts primarily because they are things we use every day. It is important, then, for teachers to be proficient in these areas so students can individually master each area. It's important that teachers are aware that by mastering one area, you help build on another area. The first language arts is listening and this art is often neglected yet it is a required behavior from students of all ages. The teacher must be aware that by having their students listen, they are helping students build on their vocabulary and develop other areas such as speaking, reading and writing. Teachers expect their students to be active listeners, so their lessons must also embody this principle.
Secondly, is the art of speaking. Since teachers tend to place an emphasis on listening rather than talking, it is important for teachers to be aware that speaking is important and it should be encouraged. Speaking must be done actively in order for students to benefit. The third language art is writing. Writing is the most difficult of the arts for students because practice makes perfect. Teachers must be aware that the more practice a student has, the better off he, or she will be. Next is the art of reading. Reading is highly important because it develops concurrently with writing. It is important for the teacher to know this and use it to benefit the student(s). Reading requires the learner to know the word, how it is pronounced and its meaning. This can be accomplished many ways, but the teacher must be aware if the student lacks in one area, otherwise they will not fully comprehend. Teachers must also know the art of viewing, in which students can explain what they have, or are seeing. We must teach students to comprehend what they are viewing and apply appropriate knowledge to that. Lastly, teachers must be familiar with the art of visually representing. This is important because as students apply certain information that they learned they can put a visual with it. This is yet another way for students to help apply what they learned and better understand a certain concept.
All six of these Language Arts are important for teachers to know because they help us in other subject areas and since they are connected to one another students can individually master them.
Great job describing these! I'm excited to have another class with you and I wish you well! :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic start to your blog! You have a great grasp on language arts and will do amazing work in this class!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I totally agree about building onto subjects after mastering one. We cannot successfully teach others if we, ourselves, do not know the information well enough. I think this course will definitely help us.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that listening is often neglected. I'm an advisor and I often meet with students who don't listen very well. It definitely affects how they write. I'll tell them what they need to include in a letter to the dean, and they'll either call me back multiple times to ask for instructions again, or send something that is not remotely close to what they are supposed to be sending. They also don't read instructions well and just try to skim and end up doing something wrong in the registration process but can't figure out their mistakes which usually are very easy to figure out if you read. If these adult students had a comprehensive language arts education, my job may be a little easier and less frustrating lol.
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Listening for older students seems to be even harder than younger students from what I have noticed working in a school. There are a lot of ways to help them listen but the best way I can think of is to keep language arts interesting and interactive by using all five strands to improve the aspects of writing for students. A lot of students dislike writing because they assume it is only writing and not word work, speaking and the rest of the strands.
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