Kathy's+Choice+Reading

Here is a link to my chapter choice on transmediation that has been instrumental in helping me think through this very challenging concept as well as how others before me have decided to conduct their studies:

Hi Kathy, I just finished //Exploring Sign Systems Within an Inquiry System.// Another big Wow! Both you and Mel hit home runs on choosing articles. This article resonated with me in several ways. First, maybe one of the best arguments I've seen for integrating the arts in the classroom. I know that whenever I've been asked to do a drawing of something I freeze up because my drawing skill are minimal. But were I asked to envision a movie script, or write a rhyming song about it, I could jump into it. Another thing I really liked was the concept of literature circle in multiple sign systems, particularly having one on illustrators. Bintz would love this! And next to the paragraph on exploration centers, I jotted down, "a new kind of 'text set'!" I love the idea of expanding sources for knowledge that more align with real world. Recently I was asked to review the literature on the teaching of revision. The experience outlined on p. 56 couldn't have been more pertinent. The hands on, highly visible, process of rearranging colors and shapes for a desired effect through conversation and collaboration is particularly powerful example of how to revise your work in any genre. I also like the idea of having shared oral reflections at the end of the group time and written reflection first thing the next day, allowing for digestion time.

Finally, I feel like I have good idea of what you've been taking about the last few months ;)) I could on an on about why I love the whole idea of the approach to curriculum. I can wait to hear from you and Mel.

Jim

Jim...I agree, an excellent argument for utilizing multiple sign systems. I love that the authors shared all the ways they previously had students do work/thinking with sign systems before creating this curriculum model. Like in Jim's article, the story is there and what she learned is very evident. This chapter really has me rethinking how I do my final literacy portfolio...wouldn't it be so great to have students show their learning/thinking of a topic within a different sign system...Hmmmmm...not sure how to do this, would love to think about it with you.

What I really like about the format of this chapter is that the authors begin with a vignette that beautifully illustrates the use of multiple sign systems being used, then goes into previous thinking...really shows reflective practice and how the authors really dig deep in their practice to ask more questions. Love this quote, "We wanted more-we wanted students to use sign systems for exploring, thinking, and communicating their understandings." Then they shared all the ways they were attempting to do this, yet unsuccessful attempts. I think this shows the heart of practitioner research...to keep digging, it is a continual process.

Thanks for sharing this article, it really has inspired me to think differently about using multiple sign systems...would love to talk with you more about this and how you're doing it with your undergrads. :) ~Mel