11.1 Idiosyncratic

When and Where did I find the word: I found this word in the article that Danielle and Jessica assigned us for the week.  The word can be found on page 280 where the authors state that "studying is an idisyncratic process" (Davis, 1990).

Citation: Davis, S. J.  (1990).  Applying content study skills in co-listed reading classrooms.  Journal of
                             Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 33(4), 277-281                      


What is means: The authors do not provide a definition or much of an elaboration of the word idiosyncratic for readers.  According to dictionary.com, idiosyncratic means "pertaining to the nature of idiosyncrasy, or something peculiar to an individual."  I had to do a little more research on this word and look up the work idiosyncrasy in order to gain a better understanding of the word.  Dictionary.com defines idiosyncrasy as "a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual."  Therefore, studying is a peculiar process. 

Level of Familiarity: I am somewhat familiar with this word.  I have heard it once or twice but never really in the educational process. 

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why? I did want to know this word.  Studying plays a major role in education and I wanted to know why the author was calling studying an "idisosyncratic process."  I felt that in order to truly understand what the author was saying I had to look up the word. 

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...if so WHO and WHY?: I think that everyone should have a general understanding of this word to use in conversation.   I feel that educators should know this word, especially since it was used in conjunction with studying.  Personally, I feel that if you run across a word you do not know, LOOK IT UP. I love learning new words and then using them.