week I notes

Welcome to Multiliteracies

• Week 1 begins on 5 November 2024

Course Overview

• Key Components:

  • Moodle platform

  • Assessment 1

  • Literacy and literacy theories

Instructor Details

• Name: Dawn Haynes

• Email: d.haynes@cqu.edu.au

• Phone: (07) 49309072

• Home Phone: (07) 49361364

Course Structure

• Weeks 1-7: Zoom sessions

• Vacation Week: Begins 23 December 2024

• Non-Teaching Week: Begins 30 December 2024 (2-week break)

• Weeks 8-12: Start on Tuesday, 7 January 2025

Required Text

• Fellowes, J. & Oakley, G (2014). Language, Literacy and Early Childhood Education (3rd ed). OUP Victoria

• Available in E-READING LIST

Moodle Information

• Engagement:

  • Weekly engagement with Moodle is crucial

  • Courses structured by weekly topics providing:

    • Introduction and overview

    • Course learning materials

    • Discussion forums for collaborative learning

  • Assessments details available in the assessment tile

Readings

• Weekly readings should be accessed via the e-Reading Lists provided on Moodle.

Understanding Literacy

• Defining Literacy:

  • What is literacy?

Reflective Engagement

• Reflection Exercise:

  • Identify activities involving literacy from the past week.

Essential Readings

• Mandatory Chapters:

  • Chapter 1: Language, Literacy and Early Childhood Education

  • Chapter 1: Literacy in the Modern World (Winch et al)

  • These will cover definitions and theories of literacy.

Definitions of Literacy

• Luke & Freebody's Definition (2000):

  • Literacy is a flexible and sustainable mastery of various textual practices integrating traditional and contemporary communication technologies (spoken, print, multimedia).

Social Practice Perspective

• Discussion Points:

  • Interpret Winch et al's assertion that 'literacy is a social practice.'

  • Effect of technology on literacy in the 21st century.

Literacy Frameworks

• Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF, 2022):

  • Literacy encompasses using language in diverse forms (music, storytelling, visual arts) and includes critical analysis of contemporary texts from both print and electronic media.

• Australian Curriculum Definition:

  • Literacy involves reading, writing, speaking, viewing, communicating across contexts, effectively adapting language for different purposes and settings.

Theoretical Perspectives on Literacy

• Four Key Theoretical Perspectives:

  1. Maturational

     • Emphasizes biological readiness for literacy skills.

     • Overlooks emotional and cultural influences.

  2. Cognitive Developmental

     • Skills develop in a set sequence influenced by environment and stimuli.

  3. Cultural Heritage

     • Knowledge transmitted through texts; culture preservation through reading choices.

  4. Skills Approach

     • Language is taught as a fixed system through direct instruction and decontextualized activities.

• Emergent Perspective:

  • Based on Piaget's work, emphasizes community influence and active construction in literacy learning.

• Socio-Cultural Perspective:

  • Recognizes the cultural experiences that shape literacy practices in educational contexts.

Socio-Cultural View Elements (Barratt-Pugh, 1998):

• Children learn literacy from participating in various literacy activities in their environments.

• Literacy practices can be culturally specific and affect children’s identity.

Reflective Questions

• Which literacy theories inform your teacher's beliefs?

• Are multiple theories reflected?

Concept of Multiliteracies

• New London Group (1996):

  • Identifies various literacies (scientific, critical, visual, computer).

  • Recognizes different cultural groups and their literacy practices.

Multiliteracies Map Components:

1. Functional User - Technical skills and knowledge.

2. Meaning-maker - Understanding various text types.

3. Critical Analyser - Recognition of selective nature of texts studied.

4. Transformer - Application of learned concepts in new contexts.

Self-Reflection

• Consider your own literacy practices in light of the Multiliteracies Map.

Assessment Task 1 Description

• Due Date: 13 December 2024

• Task: Write a response to Martello's quote about multimodal practices in literacy teaching, discussing socio-cultural theories, learners' backgrounds, literacy practices, and teaching strategies.

• Word Count: 1500 words max (specific exclusions apply).

Use of Generative AI

• Use Gen AI for ideas but do not copy/paste directly.

• Proper referencing is essential to avoid academic integrity issues.

Assessment Portal Information

• Links available for suggested structures, criteria sheets, and FAQs regarding Assessment 1.

Conclusion

• Prepare Effectively:

  • Engage weekly with Moodle and follow provided links to resources thoroughly.

  • Review academic writing conventions, essay structure, and proper APA referencing techniques.