Reflection

I really enjoyed keeping my vocabulary blog this semester. It allowed me to keep track of new words, as well as clarify ones I had a very tenuous grasp on. In the past when I would come across a new word I would sometimes look it up, sometimes not, but I would intend to later. This assignment helped me become more structured in my word learning because it gave me the space and a structure (where I found it, level of familiarity, what it means, and reflective commentary) to learn new words.

Looking through my blog, I notice many of my words are adjectives. I wonder if that is because of the types of texts I read (mostly narrative fiction)? Or maybe I just notice adjectives? Most of the texts I read are either books for my own enjoyment, which are typically anything you would find in the fiction section at Barnes and Noble, or texts for my job: non-fiction articles, novels, or books for my two Literacy courses. Within this list is opportunity for many words, but I found it difficult at times to come up with words. There were some weeks where I came across quite a few though. If i were not keeping this blog I would have skimmed past some of theses words, and therefore never fully understood what I was reading.

I really liked the reflective commentary section because it allowed me to reflect on the word, the context I found it in, and other applications. Deciding whether I would use the word in my own speaking or writing was interesting, as was deciding if the owrd was something I thought important for all to know. The Level of familiarity section was also another one that helped me define and work through my understanding of the words. This section allowed me to break the word down, recall if I had heard it before, consider context and try out multiple possible meanings.

I really loved the tests! :) I looked foward to them and enjoyed the challenge they presented. I thought the way they were designed was great, and forced us to know the word beyond just its definition, however I know many do not share the passion I have for tests (especially vocab tests). So as far as my own teaching goes, I don't think I am ready to do vocab tests, but to have students exposed to new words and have them use them in their writing and conversation. Although I will not test myself, I do intend on keeping track of new words as I go on. I will probably continue to use my blog because it works as a great tool that I can refer back to and view my progress!

Extemporaneously--9:2

Where I Found It

While reading chapter 6 of Hicks (2013) Crafting Digital Writing I came across this word.
The context is "composing a live action video of themselves speaking extemporaneously or delivering scripted narration can help students meet many of these standards"

Level of Familiarity

I do not believe I ever heard this word before, but I recognize the prefix "ex" and the root word "temp" and the suffix "ly" so the word seems familiar. I think the word means "done outside of time"?

What it Means

Dictionary.com defines this words as:
"done spoken or performed without special advance preparation"
or "previously planned but delivered with the help of few or no notes"
or "speaking or performing with little or no advanced preparation"

Reflective Commentary

This now makes sense in the context. My prediction was not correct, but close in some ways. Like, done without (instead of outside) time (to prepare)? I like this word because of its many parts. I like when words can be like a puzzle, we can take apart its pieces. I do not see myself using this word in speaking, but possibly in writing and especially with students to expose them to a new word.