6:1 Metadiscourse

When and Where did I Find it: I found this word while re-reading Dreher and Singer's (2001) article "Friendly Texts and Text-Friendly Teachers."

What it means: Dreher and Singer (2001) define this word as "writing about writing, or whatever does not refer to the subject matter being addressed" (p. 101). The authors go on to state that metadiscourse "is a way for an author to provide readers with instructions on how to assemble the information they are reading" (p. 101).

      

Level of familiarity: When I first read this word, I thought it would have to do with literacy because of the use of the word discourse. I did not know it had a specific meaning in the context of reading texts.

Do I want to know this word well and why: I would like to explore this topic in more depth. I think it would be important for teachers to be aware of the ways in which the authors of texts help support and facilitate student learning. Being conscious of the ways in which they preface and present information will help teachers determine what else they can do to supplement this reading and help students develop their understanding.


Do I think others should know this word well...if so, who and why: I think it would be helpful for other teachers to understand what this word means. More importantly, students should recognize these "instructions"and be able to use them independently when reading the text.

 

Dreher, M. J. & Singer, H.  (1989). Friendly text and text-friendly teachers.  Theory Into

Practice, 28(2), 98-105.