Good sites/books about indepth linguistics/literacy/language developements?

[Ksandra]

So, I'm going to try becoming a teacher again (lol -.-;;;; ) and in about 6 weeks I'm taking two parts of the CSET exam here in California (have to pass all 4 parts to be a teacher). what's driving me nuts about it, is it's hard finding good materials to study off of. I finally found a basis for studying the first subtest so I should be (crosses fingers) fine on that one. I can't seem to find any good resources for the second test. Here is the outline of the material I will get tested on per the official CSET website:

2.1 Human Language Structures
a. Recognize the nature of human language, differences among languages, the universality of
linguistic structures, and change across time, locale, and communities
b. Demonstrate knowledge of word analysis, including sound patterns (phonology) and
inflection, derivation, compounding, roots and affixes (morphology)
c. Demonstrate knowledge of sentence structures (syntax), word and sentence meanings
(semantics), and language function in communicative context (pragmatics)
d. Use appropriate print and electronic sources to research etymologies; recognize conventions
of English orthography and changes in word meaning and pronunciation

2.2 Acquisition and Development of Language and Literacy
a. Explain the influences of cognitive, affective, and sociocultural factors on language
acquisition and development
b. Explain the influence of a first language on second language development
c. Describe methods and techniques for developing academic literacy (e.g., tapping prior
knowledge through semantic mapping, word analogies, cohesion analysis)

2.3 Literacy Studies
a. Recognize the written and oral conventions of Standard English, and analyze the social
implications of mastering them
b. Describe and explain cognitive elements of reading and writing processes (e.g., decoding
and encoding, construction of meaning, recognizing and using text conventions of different
genres)
c. Explain metacognitive strategies for making sense of text (e.g., pre-reading activities,
predicting, questioning, word analysis, concept formation)

Currently internet and my study guide book are failing by telling me I NEED to study these, but with no info as to where. My knowledge of this stuff is extremely limited since my English classes in college were all literature-based. I figured I'd ask since there's a lot of college students here who might have a good text book to let me know of, or a good site to look at.

Right now I'm just running around finding bits and pieces of each thing which makes for poor studying and I know it means I'm missing a lot of things I should know.

[finitek]

Ksandra,

The CSET is not super difficult. Are you trying to get a multiple subject or single subject credential? It's only been about a year since I took the CSET but unless you are trying to get a bilingual credential you shouldn't have to know any of that material at the moment.

Everything you listed in your post is stuff you need to know for the RICA test not the CSET.(what I mean to say is everything from that list is stuff that you study AFTER you enter a credential program.)
I am currently working on my Masters in Elementary Ed, so if you are willing to be patient I can try to point you in the direction of some books that will teach you about those categories, but seriously the regular CSET doesn't cover those in any real depth.

Also the CSET only requires 3 (I, II, III) sections for credential work, so I am a little confused what fourth section of the test you are taking.

Inbox me if you want some more detailed information, but I will do my best to answer your questions.

Good luck.

[Shalyn]

What might help is a text combo that I used when I took the course on the history of the English language. I used the 5th edition but I'm sure the newer ones are good too, but be sure to get the 'Problems' book with it so that it can help you study.
Amazon.com: The Origins and Development of the English Language: John Algeo, Thomas Pyles: Books
Amazon.com: Problems in the Origins and Development of the English Language: John Algeo, Carmen Acevedo Butcher: Books
I found these really helpful and interesting, but they're not cheap. Can probably find them used somewhere, though.

[Atreides]

if you're looking for more comparitive info about languages/writing systems across the globe, Omniglot - a guide to the languages, alphabets, syllabaries and other writing systems of the world has some good info.

[Ksandra]

Ksandra,

The CSET is not super difficult. Are you trying to get a multiple subject or single subject credential? It's only been about a year since I took the CSET but unless you are trying to get a bilingual credential you shouldn't have to know any of that material at the moment.

Everything you listed in your post is stuff you need to know for the RICA test not the CSET.(what I mean to say is everything from that list is stuff that you study AFTER you enter a credential program.)
I am currently working on my Masters in Elementary Ed, so if you are willing to be patient I can try to point you in the direction of some books that will teach you about those categories, but seriously the regular CSET doesn't cover those in any real depth.

Also the CSET only requires 3 (I, II, III) sections for credential work, so I am a little confused what fourth section of the test you are taking.

Inbox me if you want some more detailed information, but I will do my best to answer your questions.

Good luck.

I am taking the Cset english single subjet. What I posted is from the website listed as the requirements:

http://www.cset.nesinc.com/PDFs/CS_english_SMR.pdf

There are 4 parts for the cset English, the first two are multiple choice tests (the ones I'm taking), third is an essay test, 4th is a short response test


the sample test from the site and from my study guide book both as questions involving cognitive thinking, how children learn English, different terms used involving how the English language has changed. All of which I never really studied in school lol. Any info you can give is appreciated. Luckily I still got 6 weeks so not rush studying, but I want to get as much info in my brain as possible.


@Shalyn thanks! I'll see if I can't find those used for cheap. :D

[Demosthenes11]

He's a bit outdated now, but Chomsky is always a great read.
George Lakoff is my personal fav, he is mainly a cognitive scientist though
Pinker (pinkner? ) is also good

[Shalyn]

@Shalyn thanks! I'll see if I can't find those used for cheap. :D

No problemo! Good luck on your test