Word Aware for LIFE!!!!

Over All Reaction: BIG THUMBS UP!
I really enjoyed keeping this vocabulary blog over the past semester. I've had to participate in "word learning" activities before, and I can honestly say I've disliked every single one of them, even those actives following a vocabulary self selection model. I did like this way of learning new words, largely impart because I was already sold on blogging.

Using a blog allowed me to be more creative with my learning and more interactive. I was able to engage with the vocab words in a fuller capacity than if I had to look up the definition and record it in a notebook. I appreciated the freedom to choose words from any situation, as well as the two word requirement. I really liked how my learning of new words was not private, but rather a shared experience.

Since starting this blog, I have become more aware of words I do not fully understand. I don't always stop to figure the word out, but at least I'm no longer simply skipping over the term. I'm also more interested in learning new words... I'm just looking for the time to do this! As I've become more word conscious, I've noticed my mystery words come from all over the place: conversations with others (or those I'm eavesdropping on), science videos I show my students, books I read for pleasure (specifically Christopher Moore). I plan to continue devoting some time to learning new words, maybe I'll continue with this blog, maybe through working with my students and their blogs, but I would like to become more articulate.

Reading-to-Learn and Writing-to-Learn
Keeping this blog has influenced my ability in reading-to-learn as well as writing-to-learn. When I come across words from our VSS tests in outside texts or situations, I now have a fuller understanding of what the meaning is of the text. Often times, the vocab term I came across was not imperative to the message contained in the sentence, however it did add a deeper shade of meaning. The message was a bit more detailed. In terms of writing, using the blog to learn the new vocab was influential because I had to reflect on the many facets of knowing a word in my posts. Considering the context of the word, where I heard it, how it was used, how well I knew it, the definition, a picture to show this definition, and finally my reflection on the term caused me to analyze the word as well as synthesize my understanding of the term from various texts. Both of these tasks require higher-order thinking, but to top this, I than had to reflect to a public audience, which forced me to think even more about the message I wanted to convey. Lastly, and I think this falls more under writing than reading, my exposure to these new vocabulary words has allowed me to write more precise messages. For example, because of this project I feel like I FINALLY have an understanding of the difference between affect and effect. While this may seem ridiculous, I've gotten by all these years not really understanding when to use affect because I usually just didn't use it, and when I have, I don't think any one caught if I was using it correctly! Now I use the word affect (and I'm pretty sure I'm using it correctly) where as in the past I would have just rearranged my sentence (possibly into a poorer version) than attempting to use a term I wasn't sure of.

The VSS Tests:
I really liked the VSS tests. This may sound kind of sick, but I actually thought they were fun! I especially enjoyed the final section of the last test with the pictures. I had a great time trying to come up with a way to incorporate the vocabulary terms into one sentence. I thought the VSS tests were fair and a much better assessment than the worn out "match the term with the definition" quiz. I haven't figured it out yet, but I will definitely incorporate the VSS in my own classes some day.

Final Thoughts: This has been the best vocab assignment I've been forced to partake in:) I feel like I actually learned something, and had an interesting time doing so. I was inspired by this project and would like to continue learning words in some way. Furthermore, I'm going to incorporate a project like this in my own classes to promote writing-to-learn, reading-to-learn and word awareness.

8.2 Contentious

Where/When: In my environmental class I was showing a video concerning the survival of horse shoe crabs. The narrator stated " The moratorium on horse shoe crab fishing has been deeply contentious".

Familiarity: I don't personally use this word. I think it means something like controversial.

Definition: By google

con·ten·tious

kənˈtenCHəs/

adjective

adjective: contentious

1. causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

   "a contentious issue"

   synonyms:

   controversial, disputable, debatable, disputed, open to debate, vexed

Reflection: I was right! The word used in the context of the film I was showing specifically relates tot the argument between the fisherman who use the crab as bait and the researchers who know the number of horse shoe crabs are dwindling to an unsafe rate. I guess I'm not really sure how this word is different rom controversial. Why would one choose to use contentious over controversial?

8.1 Eschew

Where/When: I was showing a video on scientific literacy and the speaker (Neil deGrasse Tyson) said "To the extent in which we eschew the innovations of science engineering and technology, that is the unraveling of the technological society we've come to know and love ".

Familiarity: I think I've heard this word before. I don't know what it means. Maybe ignore?

Defintion: Provided by Google

es·chew

esˈCHo͞o

verb

verb: eschew; 3rd person present: eschews; past tense: eschewed; past participle: eschewed; gerund or present participle: eschewing

 

1.) deliberately avoid using; abstain from. 

 

Reflection: I'm comfortable with this definition. Tyson was specifically discussing in this video America's lack of scientific literacy. He made the point of stating people need not to know everything about everything, but they should be knowledgeable enough about the world to ask questions in order to validate a claim. Because people are abstaining from pursuing education in science, tech, math and engineering, the USA is losing out on innovations.

 

 

Please follow the advice from the unicorn and eschew drugs!

 

7.2 Polemical

Where/ When: I was trying to find out the particular type of design used to produce the video Story of Stuff. The resulting websites had the following description: The Story of Stuff is a short polemical animated documentary about the lifecycle of material goods.

Familiarity: I have never heard this word before. Since I was thinking in my head "stick figures...
graphic design.... special name for graphic design used to produce this video... story is told by an invisible hand drawing out one's thoughts" I thought the world polemical had to do with the particular type of story-telling/design/production of this animated video.

Definition provided by Merriam-Webster
Polemic
a :  an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another
  b    :  the art or practice of disputation or controversy —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

Reflection: Boy was I wrong in my prediction! I was actually shocked to find out what this word really meant! Mostly because I had a prediction which was way off. The definition of the word does make sense in the context in which it was read. The author of this video is extremely vocal about the hidden cost of the stuff we use on a daily basis. Not only does she discuss the environmental cost, but also the human cost... we purchase products made in China for extremely low prices mostly because the wages of those who produce these products are ridiculously low.

7.1 Affect

Where/When: I hear and use this word every single day of my life I'm sure. I'm including it in this blog because I'll be honest... it boggles my mind. Warps my brain... I just can't pin the meaning down!

Familiarity: I'm including it in this blog because I'll be honest... it boggles my mind. Warps my brain... I just can't pin the meaning down!

Definition: Instead of recording just the definition, I decided to contrast affect with effect because I confuse the meaning of these two words. Definitions provided by: Vocabulary.com and Diffen.com

                              Affect:                                                                          Effect
    Verb: To influence something or cause change              Verb: To produce or bring about
        Noun: Relates to the display of emotion                        Noun: The result of an action
          Affect is often used as a verb!                                       Effect is often used a s noun!

Reflection: I think I have a difficult time with this word for a few reasons. One, I'm not sure I was explicitly taught the difference between these two words or if I was, I did not get enough practice using them correctly. Two, I wonder how many other people really understand the word affect, and if they know when I'm saying it wrong. I know it is common place to go about correcting people in public, but I've never had anyone at any point in time I was using the word wrong when I know I must have been. Three, affect and effect have similar definition, to cause change vs. to produce?! So close, but YET, a distinction. When effect is used as a verb, it makes me think something is beginning, hence the word produce. To change, or affect, does not necessarily mean the start of something. To help me get this straight in my head... I really need to focus on the verb vs. noun piece. It helps me to know affect is more commonly used as a verb.

6.2 Precarious

Where/When: When watching an episode of BBC's "Life", the video zoomed into a frog climbing
up a steep cliff and the narrator said: "the frog's future looks precarious...."

Familiarity: This word is not new to me. I wouldn't say that I hear it often, but it is certainly more common than some of my other vocab words. I don't feel comfortably enough to use this word... I think it probably has something to do with uncertainty.

Definition by Google:

pre·car·i·ous

 

adjective: precarious

1.

not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.

"a precarious ladder"

2.

dependent on chance; uncertain.

"she made a precarious living by writing"

 

Reflection: In the context of the video, I believe both meanings of the word were intended. The frog was not in a stable location and it was actually be stalked by a tarantula. In this case, the frog was likely to fall but it was also uncertain whether it would become a meal for the large spider. Click to witness the awesome escape of the pebble toad!

6.1 Draconian

Where/When: I heard this word when someone was talking about another person's reaction. I didn't
hear the full conversation, but I heard the person say something like "I didn't think it called for such a draconian reaction".

Familiarity: I've heard this word before, but not often and I've never used it. I think it has a negative connotation to it.

Definition by Google:

dra·co·ni·an

 

adjective

adjective: draconian

1.

(of laws or their application) excessively harsh and severe.

 

... and more from Wikipedia:

 

Draconian is an adjective meaning great severity, that derives from Draco, an Athenian law scribe under whom small offences had heavy punishments (Draconian laws).

 

Reflection: This definition makes sense considering what I recall of the conversation. Like I said, by the person's tone... it didn't seem like the person's response was a good response. I know now, the person reacting was probably overreacting, and probably responded with some harsh words that were not necessary.

5.2 Nebulous

Where/When: I was in a meeting the other day to discuss the qualifications for students to be considered for an accelerate science program. My principal was discussing why we should have a concrete characteristic and requirement list for parents to read. She made a comment that in the past, the requirements were rather nebulous.

Familiarity: I've know I've heard this word before, and I have a decent understanding of what it means. While I can't think of  specific example of a past encounter with the word, I know it was used when the topic of conversation was somewhat confusing. I don't think this is the definition of the word, because it wouldn't make complete sense when considering the context of the situation in how my principal used it. While I don't know my new principal that well, I have the impression based on her records that she is very well educated and chooses her words wisely.

Definition by google:

neb·u·lous

ˈnebyələs/

adjective

adjective: nebulous

• in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy.

"a giant nebulous glow"

synonyms:

indistinct, indefinite, unclear, vague, hazy, cloudy, fuzzy, misty, blurred, blurry, foggy; More faint, shadowy, obscure, formless, amorphous

• (of a concept or idea) unclear, vague, or ill-defined.

  "nebulous concepts like quality of life"

  synonyms:

  vague, ill-defined, unclear, hazy, uncertain, indefinite, indeterminate, imprecise, unformed, muddled, confused, ambiguous More "nebulous ideas"

  antonyms:

  well-defined

• another term for nebular.

I chose to include this picture of a nebula, because it can represent the concept of an unclear, hazy idea. While there are certain colors (gases) that can be clearly seen, the cloud lacks an overall shape, and it's hard to define where the cloud ends and space begins. I think this is similar to vague or incomplete thoughts.

Reflection: There were three (really two) definitions of the word nebulous - I highlighted in pink the definition that seemed most accurate in explaining how my principal used the word. I can see how this term differs from confusion, especially in terms of the requirements we were discussing. In the past, there have always been requirements to be in the accelerated program, however whether they were enforced or not to accept or reject a student was a case by case situation and unclear. The requirements were not confusing, because they were straight-forward (ie. the student must have an 85% or higher in 6th grade science) but again, whether the requirements were followed was uncertain.  

5.1 Enigmatic

When/Where: My environmental class watched an episode of Ancient Aliens the other day during class. One of the ancient alien theorists was discussing the Moai of Easter Island (the monolithic statures if giant heads that dot the island's coast). The man said like "The enigmatic expression on their faces...."

Familiarity: I've heard this word before. Always in description of someone or something. I'm not sure what it means, but it makes me think of "high energy". Probably because enigmatic reminds me of the word energetic.

Definition provided by Google:

en·ig·mat·ic

 

adjective: enigmatic; adjective: enigmatical

 

1. difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.  

 

Reflection: The definition of this word completely makes sense to me. When I think about the Moi, there really is no better word to use when describing them besides enigmatic. Using enigmatic in this context, makes me appreciate how one might truly consider what word their using to convey a very specific message.

4.2 Borge

When/Where: Being the science geek that I am, I often watch the Science Channel. I was watching a show called "Aliens: The Definitive Guide". Featured in the episode was an astrobiologist  who described the probable characteristics of aliens. He stated aliens most likely did not function as individuals but rather as borgs.

Familiarity: I've heard the word cyborg before, but I'm not sure that I've heard just "borg". I've heard "cyborg" when watching sci-fi movies, usually involving space and aliens.


Definition:

From Google:
cy·borg

"A fictional or hypothetical person whose physical abilities are extended beyond normal human limitations by mechanical elements built into the body."

From Wikipedia:
Borg is a collective proper noun for a fictional alien race that appears as recurring antagonists in various incarnations of the Star Trek franchise. The Borg manifest as cybernetically enhanced humanoid drones of multiple species, organized as an interconnected collective, the decisions of which are made by a hive mind, linked by subspace radio.

Reflection: I believe the scientist that used the word borg, meant a combination of the two definitions
above. I understand his message better, now that I know what he was referring to. The featured scientist actually had a computer chip implanted into this eye, and some of his thoughts were then transferred to a computer. Ultimately it gave him the control to flex a mechanical hand remotely, by flexing his own hand - hence the use of the term cyborg. The scientists continued by saying that those with this mechanical ability
would most likely also be able to communicate as a collective group, where one thought was transferred to the masses. This is replicated somewhat in nature, where certain groups of animals work as a collective group, each having their own part to complete a task.

4.1 - Consternation

When/Where: I was reading aloud the The Cheshire Cheese Cat and came across the following sentence: "Henry heaved a great sigh of consternation". This is my second time reading through the book, and I'm continuously amazed at the amount of words I'm unfamiliar with.

Level of familiarity: I've never heard this word before. Well, not true. I must have read it my first time through this book, but skipped over it because I didn't know it. I'm interested in learning this word because I have no idea what it means, however in terms of my  I gathered from the context of the book, consternation was not associated with good or excited feelings, but I did not foresee the word meaning it's definition.

Definition by Merium-Webster:

con·ster·na·tion

A strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion or dismay that hinders or throws into confusion.

 

 

Reflection: I have felt consternation before. The last time I was acutely aware of this feeling was when I opened up a birthday present from my husband. As I unwrapped the much anticipated gift, I slowly released a not-so-suttle sigh of consternation as I gazed down at my brand spanking new... pedometer. Awesome Wednesday gift, but birthday gift? I was disappointed and confused as to where my wonderful husband had come up with such a... thoughtful gift! Furthermore, I was not sure how to act for I did not want to give him any positive reinforcement less he got any more bright ideas! 

3.2 "Churlish"

When/Where: The Cheshire Cheese Cat provided me not only the first vocab word for this week, but also the second: "Churlish". I found the term "Churlish" one night as I was reading this book before bed. I dutifully typed churlish into my iPhone's notepad app and continued with my reading. Of course now I'm trying to find the sentence that I read containing this specific term and the book has turned into a sepulcher. Ah ha! See what I did there?! If the term sepulcher causes you to pause, please refer to blog post 3.1! 

Level of Familiarity: While I don't specifically remember a time a place that I heard this word, I feel that it not completely new. It may be that I'm thinking of words that sound similar however, such as "girlish".

Definition by Bing:

churl·ish

1. crass: characteristic of somebody with bad manners
2. unkind and grumpy: surly, sullen, or miserly

Reflection: While I don't remember the exact sentence that I read, I had to really consider what I thought of this term to go on my boondoggle through the book. I knew that I was most likely looking for an unpleasant conversation between two characters. I do remember that churlish was used to describe a response. As I skimmed the pages, I was looking very closely at text which involved the protagonist Skilly and the antagonist Pinch. I also expanded this search to include any situation where there was some type of negative interaction. This is important to note, because I had to reflect on what churlish meant and consider how it was most likely used. I unintentionally spent (useful) time reflecting more deeply on this new term

3.1 Sepulcher

When/Where: I'm currently reading The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale (2011) by Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright. While this book is written for middle-schoolers, I found that it had interesting and rich words sprinkled through out the text. The sentence which contained this word read: "Where secrets are concerned, I am a veritable sepulcher." (pg. 25). I think that this word is a used as a metaphor to explain someone that can keep a secret safe.

Level of Familiarity: I had never heard of this word before!

What it Means: Google states that a sepulcher is: "a small room or monument, cut in rock or built of stone, in which a dead person is laid or buried." The picture to the right is meant to represent the meaning behind sepulcher. In fact this box could be made into a sepulcher if one buried a favorite pet in it and threw away the key. Try googling "sepulcher", I dare you! Believe me, this is a much more pleasant way to represent the term!

Reflection: Ah ha! I was correct in my prediction. I will say that this word was not one that was extremely challenging. That is, in thinking about vocabulary instruction, if my own students were reading this book I wouldn't spend time explicitly teaching the word, the context helps one infer a reasonable meaning. Sepulcher does make sense in this context because tombs tend not to be open once the are closed, keeping whatever is inside hidden away, which is similar to how a secret is supposed to be kept. Even though I could deduce the definition of the term, I chose this word because I was surprised to see a term that I had never heard before in a "children's" book .