literacy in three metaphors
DESCRIPTION
What are the challenges of literacy? How is it defined?TRANSCRIPT
Literacy in Three Metaphorsby Sylvia Scribner
A’Kena LongBenton, MA, PMCEDP 9310
11.3.11
Literacy Quiz
1. In a standard five paragraph essay, how many main points must be supported? A. 5 B. 3 C. 1 D. All of the above E. None of the above
Literacy Quiz cont.
2. True or FalseIn a typical essay, transitions should begin each body paragraph?
Literacy Quiz cont.
3. A transition is…A. FurthermoreB. SimilarlyC. ConsequentlyD. All of the aboveE. None of the above
Literacy Quiz Answers
1. In a standard five paragraph essay, how many main points must be supported? A. 5 B. 3 C. 1 D. All of the above E. None of the above
Quiz Answers cont.
2. True or FalseIn an essay, transitions should begin each body paragraph?
Quiz Answers cont.
3. A transition is…A. FurthermoreB. SimilarlyC. ConsequentlyD. All of the aboveE. None of the above
Homonym Poem Quiz Directions
Read the following homonym quiz. Can you find the 12 homonym errors?
Hint: Homonyms are words that sound alike, but are spelled differently and have different meanings?
Homonym Poem Quiz
I have a spelling checker.It came with my PC.It plainly marks four my revuemistakes I cannot sea.
I ran this poem threw it.I'm sure your pleased too no.Its letter perfect in it's weigh.My checker tolled me sew.
Poem Quiz Answers
I have a spelling checker.It came with my PC.It plainly marks four my revuemistakes I cannot sea.
I ran this poem threw it.I'm sure your pleased too no.Its letter perfect in it's weigh.My checker tolled me sew.
Literacy Introduction
• We all agree that literacy is a pressing national concern, but…
• Literacy itself is… o Ambiguouso Boundaries have not been set
Literacy Introduction cont.
• Questions to Ponder:o How should literacy be defined in our
technological society?
o How do we measure literacy?
Literacy & Society
• Moving beyond the individualistic approach to literacy, but seeing literacy as a social achievement
• “Individuals in society without writing systems do not become literate” (Scribner 1984).
Other Questions to Ponder
• Is literacy a social right or a private power?
vs.
Our Literacy Dilemma
• We cannot reach a consensus on a literacy definition because our views differ on literacy’s social purposes and values.
Value of Literateness
• What beliefs are shared across social classes and ethnic and religious groups?
Other Dilemmas • Do illiterates perceive their lack of skills as a hindrance to
parenting, neighboring, or working?• Erika & Dad examples
• Inner city youtho May have no interest in writing letters to each othero Not see higher reading levels as a ticket to a job
All will not have a bank account so mastering unusual forms is unneeded (Heath 1980).
http://youtu.be/nFY0HBkUm8o
More Literacy Problems
• Scholars cannot even agree on which skills are “necessary” or “optional”
• Adult Performance Level Project (1975) failed content validity test
Literacy Problems cont.
• Class-based, heterogeneous society yields unequivocal demands
• Small, isolated, rural communities vs. college bound high school graduates
• Vocational & personal needs vs. college subject matter—hallmark of literacy
Literacy Problems cont.
• Different criteria for different regions will lead to inequality & limited opportunity access
Reder & Greens (1984)
• Literacy has different meanings for members of different groups.
• Cultural variations must be considered.• Government, private agencies, community
leaders involvement?
Farrell (1977)
• College English Teachers• Prominence for writing in the curriculum• Promoting logical reasoning & critical thinking
A Historical Look at Literacy
• During WWI (early 1990’s), a 4th grade education rendered literacy
• In 1947, a 5th grade education was necessary• By 1952, a 6th grade education was the
minimum threshold • In 1984 (year of article), economics and
computerized production will influence literacy levels
Literacy & Technology
• Storing and retrieving information will require a new set of literacy skills
• As technology grows in future decades, literacy will increase for some and decrease for others
• Resulting in more uneven, class-based literacy
Consider this graphic.
The Three Metaphors
• Literacy as Adaptation
• Literacy as Power
• Literacy as a State of Grace
Literacy as Adaptation
• Survival or Pragmatic Value
• Functional Literacy o Introduced during WWI (Harman 1970)o For modern soldiering o Currently, the meaning has changed to fit various
settings
Literacy & People’s Settings & Goals
• People’s setting and goals are considered an example of the functional approach
• Questions of fact, value, and purpose complicate how to apply people’s settings and goals to a curriculum
Literacy as Adaptation:Commonsense Appeal
• Daily Life Skills• Job Security & Advancement• Directions• Shopping for Groceries• Civic & Political Responsibilities • Economic Growth & Stability
Literacy as Power
• Group/ community advancement– History
• Elites & dominant classes
– Contemporary• Poor & politically powerless
• Paulo Freire (1970)– Fundamental social transformation– Critical consciousness – Just society– Illiterate = state of victimization
Consider this graphic.
Consider this graphic.
Literacy as a State of Grace
• Salvation—broader than religion• Special virtue• “Cultured”• Participation
– Intellectual– Aesthetic– Spiritual
Discussion Questions
1. Explain what you think is most important in literacy training?
2. What do you think experts should represent as literacy’s highest benefits?