Educational Discourse Community
Educational Discourse Community
Thespina Agas
Wayne State University
Educational Discourse Community
Educational Discourse Community
A community is a group of people who share common interests or virtues. Every
community is different but each one of them has their own importance. Communication is the
most important aspect in each community because it allows for the sharing of ideas. Whether
members are speaking or writing, the communication in a community is its discourse. Each
discourse community is unique because not just anybody can be part of it. To be a member one
must have knowledge of that field and understanding about how communication and persona are
executed. For example, in the education field, communication must be very proper because
educators set examples to their students. The elementary educational discourse community is
important because they lay the foundation down for further education in young children.
Educators are role models to children and every educator needs to act in the most appropriate
manner in and out of the classroom. To get a better understanding of this discourse community I
interviewed Mrs. Linda Capp who majored in elementary education and has experience working
in the field. The questions I used in the interview were ones that my group had collaborated on.
These questions were broken down into four categories. The categories consist of
communication, research, writing, persona, and ethics and in each of these major categories they
were also broken down to compare and contrast what was done academically in that field versus
professionally.
In this technological era, there are many ways to communicate with one another. These
can be seen now especially in the college setting. Students pursuing a teaching degree
communicate verbally, through writing, e-mail, social networking sites, blogs, and by telephone.
While still in college, this person communicates with other students, professors, and other
members of the school’s faculty. Proper communication is important even in the academic stages
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because it strengthens the skills needed when entering the professional field. Teachers
communicate in various ways as well. They can communicate verbally, through body language
and in writing such as notes and letters. Teachers can also communicate in a more modern way
like e-mailing and through telephone conversations. In this professional field, teachers
communicate with students, other teachers, administrators, and parents. Teachers need to have
proper communication in this discourse community. It is important to communicate properly
because teachers set an example to the children. Mrs. Capp’s comment on the importance of
communication is this: “Communication is important because, if done well, it can build positive
relationships and, if done poorly, it can negatively impact relationships.” (Interview answer
September 15, 2010). I never thought that proper communication could consist of how well the
communication is executed. Mrs. Capp made a very good point because if communication is
executed well there will be a better relationship and learning environment. Good communication
can enhance the learning environment and set an example to students.
Before interviewing Mrs. Capp and talking to my English Professor Mrs. Jule Wallis, I
did not realize what researching was like academically and professionally. When researching
academically, most students use the Internet, books, and videos. They also conduct interviews
with professionals, create outlines, and make lists of questions they want answered. While
researching in pursuit for a teaching degree, many students have various topics they investigate.
Some of these topics include strategies for classroom management and teaching strategies for
various teaching subjects. The path to becoming a teacher is a four-year bachelor’s degree in
teaching or with a teaching certificate but a Masters in teaching or education is highly
recommended. Once in the professional field though one researches by using the Internet,
consulting a librarian, making sure you have credible sources, and are reading important
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journals. Some important journals that Mrs. Capp used in her research were the National Council
of Teachers of English, National Science Teachers Association, and National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics. One of the genres in research for teaching is called pedagogy, which
was explained to me by Professor Jule Wallis (personal question September 13, 2010). Pedagogy
is a genre of writing and research for teachers. This genre is broken up into two categories,
researched based and practical based. This is mainly composed of how-to’s in teaching such has
how to teach reading or how to teach science. Yet others have decided to research different
things such as behavior management as did Mrs. Capp. The type of research done is different for
everyone depending on what that particular person is trying to open his or her mind to. Research
is important whether it is academic or professionally based. Research can teach us new things
and help us become more effective in our field of study. Mrs. Capp also stated why she felt
research is important in this profession. She stated “Research is important in the profession of
teaching because it is the foundation of our field. Research leads to learning and new
knowledge. As a student teacher I was taught only research-based strategies for teaching my
future students. These are strategies that have been used and evaluated as being “best practice.”
In other words, research is important in the teaching profession because it helps teachers to teach
students in the most effective ways.” (Interview answer September, 15 2010). Therefore,
research is a huge part of teaching because it is the foundation of learning and that is what
teaching is all about.
Along with research, writing is one of the first things we learned when we were young
and it will be a skill we will use for the rest of our lives. There are various forms and genres of
writing. In the academic field, such writings include reports, exams, note taking, lesson plans,
research papers, and various written assignments for classes. The format used commonly for
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education majors and professionals is American Psychological Association (APA) format. Yet
teachers have different formats on how to teach children to write such as block style, D’Nealian
style, and cursive. Professionals in the field tend to write notes, lesson plans, write assignments
on the board, letters and in some cases proposals and grants. Elementary teachers lay the
foundation on writing which is a huge skill needed for further education
Like the students teachers also have expectations. In every field of study there is a certain
way you need to present yourself. Each discourse community has a set of expectations from you.
While in the academic field, the way to be part of the discourse community for elementary
education is to major in it. The members of the discourse meet during classes and on scheduled
meeting times. There isn’t proper attire while in the academic field unless there is an event of
importance. Also, while in the academic field, you are encouraged to try new ways of teaching,
as where in the profession, you have certain guidelines by the state and school. The expectations
for the elementary education discourse are: teaching full-time, having a teaching degree, and
experience teaching. Substitute teachers are not fully accepted in the community and according
to Mrs. Capp they are an “outsider to the core community.” (Interview September 15, 2010).
Additionally, the role of the substitute teacher is a little stricter because you always have to
follow the teacher’s instructions. Where as if you are the teacher you can more freely pick and
choose what and how to teach something. The discourse community usually meets in the
teachers lounge, in the classroom or in meetings during school hours and sometimes before or
after school hours. It is also expected to dress appropriately meaning that professional clothes are
expected, however some schools allow teachers to wear jeans on Fridays. Teachers usually wear
dress pants, jacket, conservative tops, suits, and appropriate length skirts. This will give an
appropriate image to the children of what an adult should dress and act like.
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Many people don’t realize how important writing, research, and communication is in
their field of study. Writing was a basic skill taught to us at a young age and no matter how much
we try to avoid it we can’t. Most people work together with others and that is why we need
strong skills in communication and writing to get jobs done more efficient and effective. I
learned that even though you may think writing is not a huge part of your career it plays a
significant role and one day you might even be teaching it.
Educational Discourse Community
Outline
I. Introduction
a. What is this discourse community about
b. Why this discourse community is important
II. Communication
a. How they communicate
b. Who they communicate with
c. Why proper communication is important
III. Research
a. Academic Research
i. How research is done academically
ii. Where research is done academically
b. Research in the Profession
i. How is research done professionally
ii. What kind of research is done
iii. Why research is important
iv. What type of information do you use for your research
IV. Writing
a. Academic Writing
i. What types of writing is done academically
b. Professional Writing
i. What types of writing is done professionally
ii. Code of ethics in writing professionally
iii. Format used in the profession
V. Persona and Ethics
a. Expectations
i. What it takes to be apart of the discourse community
ii. When and where to you engage with community members
iii. How long it takes to become a member
b. Etiquette
i. What is proper attire in profession
ii. The persona in the academic field
iii. The persona needed while in the discourse community
VI. Conclusion
Educational Discourse Community
Interview Consent Agreement for English 3010
The purpose of this interview is to help students do research about how writing and
research are used in the field of their choosing. Students will then use this interview to
compare with group members different ways in which Discourse communities conduct
research and present information to both fellow members and people not considered to be
a part of that community. These findings will be composed into an essay comparing and
contrasting how Discourse groups differ in methods of communication, studies, and
expectations.
You will be asked to conduct an interview through email, allowing students to share your
responses with their classmates and professor. You may be quoted and/or referenced to in
one or many students’ essays. The answers you provide will give students insight into how
to become a professional in your line of work and the amount of effort required to become
successful. Please respond truthfully and to the best of your ability while answering
interview questions.
By signing below, you agree to the above procedure and terms.
Name_______________________________________________ Date____________
Educational Discourse Community
Interview Form
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With what means do you communicate in your field
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Who do you write and communicate with in your profession?
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Why is proper communication important?
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How do you research in your field?
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Why is research important in your profession?
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What kind of research did you do in college?
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Where and how did you research while studying in college?
Educational Discourse Community
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What kind of research have you done in your profession?
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Are there any important journals that you look to for information?
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What kind of writing did you do in your academic field
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Is there a code of ethics in your field of writing?
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What kind of writing have you done in your professional field?
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What format or style of writing do you use in this field?
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What are the expectations to be apart of the discourse community or a professional
in the field?
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When do you engage with people in your discourse community or professionals in
your field?
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Where do members of the discourse community meet?
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What is considered proper attire in your line of work?
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How long does it take to become a professional or expert in your field?
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Why is the discourse community you belong to or the group of professionals in your
field important?
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What kind of persona is expected of you in this discourse community?
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How is this persona different than while you were in the academic field?
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What is this discourse community about?
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What is required to be fully accepted in this community?
Reflection:
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Dear Mrs. Capp,
My name is Thespina Agas and I am a student at Wayne State University. Currently I am an
elementary education major and I am finishing up my English requirements. I am hoping
that you can help me with my current assignment in English. In the assignment I have to
interview people in the field of study that I am progressing towards. In this interview I will
be asking you questions about the elementary education field. This interview will help me
write a report about the various writing and communication practices in the field. I hope to
hear from you soon about conducting this interview. The questions and consent form are
attached.
Sincerely,
Thespina Agas
Educational Discourse Community
Questions
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With what means do you communicate in your field?
Who do you write and communicate with in your profession?
Why is proper communication important?
How do you research in your field?
Why is research important in your profession?
What kind of research did you do in college?
Where and how did you research while studying in college?
What kind of research have you done in your profession?
Are there any important journals that you look to for information?
What kind of writing did you do in your academic field?
Is there a code of ethics in your field of writing?
What format or style of writing do you use in this field?
What are the expectations to be apart of the discourse community or a professional
in the field?
 When and where do you engage with people in your discourse community or
professionals in your field?
 What is considered proper attire in your line of work?
 How long does it take to become a professional or expert in your field?
 What kind of persona is expected of you in this discourse community?
 How is this persona different than while you were in the academic field?
*****INTRO QUESTIONS*****
 What is this discourse community about?
 Why is the discourse community you belong to or the group of professionals in your
field important?
Pink = Communication
Blue = Research
Yellow = Writing
Green = Persona and Ethics
Red = intro questions