Re: Science-talk and clamming up -

Dale Cyphert (DXC20 who-is-at PSUVM.PSU.EDU)
Thu, 1 Aug 96 08:09 EDT

Let's suppose, as with most language, that there are two rather
different aspects: intonation (voice drops at the end of the sentence,
etc), which might be cross-disciplinary, but perhaps different from one
language or culture to another) and vocabulary (I know I was sure
intimidated when I first heard someone talk about hermeneutics as though
it were a familiar concept!)

What then, allows a student to play the game? It seems they should
learn by hearing, and then imitating the voice, but that isn't what
seems to happen. My reticent students have spent a whole lifetime of
NOT speaking up in classes, yet when I give them specific instructions
regarding class participation, they can often pick up quite a bit in
just a semester. I wouldn't say they necessarily get "the voice" in all
its assertive glory, but it does make me think the role of the instructor
in bringing students into the conversation is crucial.

dale