Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Have Your Say

Many of my secondary sources in regard to my question of: “Where do you draw the line for when it is appropriate for students to speak in their primary discourse versus Secondary English?” disagree on where to draw that line as well as what the reasons are that back up their opinions. Some say that the students should be able to explore this issue and decide for themselves, others that it is the teachers job to be sure the students are exposed to both sides and are able to “code-switch” at will. I feel like I would allow my students to speak their primary discourse only when in conversation with peers. I think that papers, presentations and addressing teacher should all be done in Standard English. A gap still exists, however, in how to correct, or address students about this issue and the many oppositions that exist on viewpoints I have yet to explore.