1

Justin Rygiel

Philosophy of Disciplinary Literacy

In today’s world it is important for students to use specific ways to integrate literacy in

specific disciplines. It is necessary for students to learn content area literacy. Students can learn

reading and writing processes that are used across all disciplines. In history, this helps students

understand context and engages students to explorer the literature provided. I would have

students ask clarifying questions when the text provided is not understood. It is also good for

students to make predictions of what the text is about before reading it. Another strategy is to

have students summarize a passage and engage in word analysis strategies to comprehend the

curriculum (International Literacy Association, Content Area and Disciplinary Literacy). These

strategies will help all students understand the literature and relate to the information. In history,

highlighting key terms and vocabulary is necessary for student comprehension.

Close reading is another great strategy for all students. Close reading allows the students

to annotate the given text and chunk down difficult reading for better understanding. Students

will investigate a short piece of reading through text-based questions and discussion. This will

help students analyze aspects of the text such as vocabulary and context (Douglas Fisher and

Nancy Frey, Close Reading as an Intervention for Struggling Middle School Readers).

In disciplinary literacy, “students use literacy to engage in goals and practices that are

unique to each discipline (International Literacy Association, Content Area and Disciplinary

Literacy). Critical thinking is a necessary skill when learning literature in my specific discipline.

In history, students need to be able to apply this skill to differentiate between valuable sources.
 2

Students need to be able to sift through primary and secondary sources to find evidence to back

up their claims. It is important for students to understand what a reliable source is, especially

with the amount of information the internet provides. “Disciplinary literacy is a way of

approaching text with the reading strategies employed by experts in a given field” (Discovery

Education, Disciplinary Literacy Helping Students Develop Insider Knowledge).

Menu options are needed to differentiate instruction for diverse learners. Sometimes

seating arrangements are needed to ensure an optimum learning environment. Just allowing a

student to move closer to the front of class to see the text provided can make all the difference.

Providing different educational opportunities will help engage one’s students regarding the

curriculum being taught. Vocabulary is also an essential material when dealing with diverse

learners. Connections are made with content area concepts and vocabulary (Teaching content

specific Academic Vocabulary). Understanding the root and origin of words will help student

understanding of vocabulary presented. Presenting articles will help students relate to the

information. Also utilizing technology is another great tool for an optimum learning environment

in the classroom.
 3

References:

Discovery Education, Disciplinary Literacy: Helping Students Develop Insider Knowledge.

Retrieved From: Disciplinary Literacy: Helping Students Develop Insider Knowledge -

Discovery Education

Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey. Close Reading as an Intervention for Struggling Middle School

Readers. Retrieved From: Close Reading as an Intervention for Struggling Middle School

Readers (asu.edu)

International Literacy Association, 2017. Content Area and Disciplinary Literacy: Strategies

and Frameworks. Retrieved From: Literacy Leadership Brief: Content Area and

Disciplinary Literacy: Strategies and Frameworks (literacyworldwide.org)

Teaching Content-Specific Academic Vocabulary Retrieved From: untitled (amazonaws.com)