What's in a word?

Words seem to have a fashion, particularly in the field of education. Some words are out, and others are in. Some are out because they are associated with meanings and attitudes we are wanting to move away from, or have loaded meanings, or meanings which appeal to some people or not others, or because we have yet to have a conversation and agree on shared meanings.

As I am writing curriculum documents I am in a dilemma. I would like to include words which make sense to people - that they can go "Aha! Yes, I know what this means and what it looks like in my classroom." On the other hand I would like a curriuclum document to be something for the future as well as now. So can I put in words that might challenge the reader and draw them forward?

Words that I would like to include are ones that capture soul, transformation, flourishing... what it means to be a holistic being with humanity and integrity. But reality check - I am writing a science curriuclum! So what words can I use, and can't I use?

Sense of wonder and awe is OK.

Creativity and imagination are OK, but insight isn’t.

Having a hunch is OK, but intuition isn’t.

Being in a community of practice is borderline.

Ethics is Ok, but humanity isn’t.

Being at home in the world/universe is out,
but being technology literate is in.

How are other people affected by words, and how might words limit what is possible?

Posted by Sue