I am working on understanding exactly what the THIRD SPACE refers to as studied by Dr. K Gutierez and defined in the Voice of Literacy podcast.
The podcast is short and I didn't feel as if I received enough information to clearly understand Third Space. I found a published article on-line by Dr. Gutierez in Reading Research Quarterly from 2004 which explains the different "spaces."
According to this article, First, Second and Third spaces are defined as:
First Space: (people's) home, community and peer network
Second Space: formalized institutions such as work, school or church
Third Space: space of knowledge and Discourse (with a capital D)
In order to wrap my brain around this, I need to understand the definition of Discourse versus discourse.
discourse: according to Merriam-Webster, is the use of words to exchange thoughts and ideas.
Discourse: according to James Paul Gee, a researcher in discourse analysis, and a nicely defining blog I found (this is a blog), is: "the combination of language with other social practices (behavior, values, ways of thinking, clothes, food, customs, perspectives) within a specific group"
I am understanding now why our class divided into groups and went out into non-formal settings to observe literacy that children are exposed to...my Rollerskating research last week. I am also understanding the connection/difference between teaching by using more authentic "life" experiences, to make more meaning for students, versus standardized cookie-cutter, read-from-the-book teaching.
Reading The Donut House article, by Powell and Davidson, made me want to say, "Of course you should (as a teacher) find ways to bring the community and real life experiences into your classroom!" The real key though, is how does a teacher balance her own teaching life...following the requirements of her school, of her grade (standards to be met), meet the needs of each individual student, help all to become the most they can be (receive passing tests scores), engage her students, connect with her parents, and remain true to herself? I am hoping to gain many tips this semester to take with me into my classroom.
Don't worry, I'll share what I learn!
~ltk
What a great breakdown of the "spaces!" I applaud you for reaching out to other resources to help deepen your understanding of the concept. To be unafraid of the unknown is an excellent trait for a future teacher to have! I'm sure that you will model your curiosity and fearlessness for your students and inspire the same great attitude in them.
ReplyDeleteI too love your breakdown of the spaces. Based on the podcast alone I was also still somewhat confused by the "third space". I also like the connection you made to the literacy dig and finding ways to make literacy more meaningful by using authentic experiences. It seems as though not many teachers take advantage of this technique of using the "third space" but as Dr. Gutierez points out this can be one of the best places for a struggling child to learn!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome that you went out and found more articles on the spaces. I am definitely going to check out more information about this topic. It was hard to follow what she was talking about during the podcast. As always going above and beyond!!
ReplyDeleteI also was confused by what, exactly, was meant by the term "Third Space," and I didn't find the podcast to be very clear in explaining it. I appreciate the research you did, and I too looked into her writing to try and learn more, but I still am unclear, despite the definition you found, on what the the term is meant to convey. Perhaps, I will understand it better after further discussion with those who hopefully understand it better than I.
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