3- BENLAC-compressed

New Literacies, Functional Literacy and Multiliteracy

Overview

• Author: Willa Mae M. Paredes, LPT, MAEd

• Institution: Marinduque State University, College of Education

Table of Contents

• Presentation Outline

• Concept Exploration

• New Literacies

• Exploring the New Literacies

• The Truth on 21st Century Literacies According to Research

• Functional Literacy

• Improving Functional Literacy in the Philippines

• Integration of New Literacies in the Curriculum

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Discuss new literacies and their impact on the teaching-learning process.

2. Describe a multiliterate teacher.

3. Define functional literacy and cite its integration in the curriculum.

4. Draw life lessons from personal application of functional literacy.

Concept Exploration

Definition of Literacy

• Traditional literacy involved the ability to read and write fluently.

• The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines a literate individual as one who can comprehend and write simple sentences pertaining to everyday life.

Evolution of Literacy

• Historical periods:

  • 1950s-1970s: Operational and functional literacy were developed, focusing on skills needed for modern society.

  • Post-1990s: A shift towards diversified literacy due to technological advancements and societal changes, leading to a multifaceted view of literacy.

  • Types of literacy that emerged include computer, technology, internet, and media literacy.

  • Literacy now influences a person's lifestyle and is interconnected with information literacy, cultural literacy, and universal literacy.

Meaning and Application of Literacy

• Literacy transcends basic reading and writing; it encompasses applying knowledge purposefully within contexts.

• Functions include:

  • Writing correspondence

  • Record-keeping

  • Posting announcements

  • Reporting

• Lankshear & Knobel (2006) emphasized the role of literacies in generating and communicating meaning through various texts.

• Kress (2003) argued for interaction with texts, suggesting literacy involves relational meanings that extend beyond mere content understanding.

New Literacies in the Digital Age

• Increased connectivity through the internet calls for new competencies—21st Century literacy includes various forms such as:

  • Visual literacy

  • Information literacy

  • Cultural literacy

  • Digital literacy

• Engagement with technologies reshapes traditional literacy skills, fostering collaboration and creative expression through diverse platforms (e.g., blogging, podcasting, graphic novels).

Seven New Literacies

1. Multicultural Literacy

   • Understanding identity, diversity, and citizenship among ethnic groups.

2. Social Literacy

   • Developing positive social skills and values for responsible action in complex settings.

3. Media Literacy

   • Ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media content effectively.

4. Financial Literacy

   • Making informed decisions related to money management.

5. Digital Literacy

   • Using digital tools effectively for communication, collaboration, and advocacy.

6. Ecological Literacy

   • Understanding ecosystems to promote sustainability.

7. Creative Literacy

   • Generating original ideas and viewing the world innovatively.

Truths About 21st Century Literacies

• The crucial role of critical thinking and reflection in effectively using technology.

• Teachers need ongoing professional training to integrate technology effectively into teaching.

• New technologies offer opportunities for fostering diverse and participatory contexts for reading and writing.

Functional Literacy

Definition and Importance

• Functional literacy, as defined by UNESCO, surpasses basic reading/writing, focusing on skills that facilitate participation in society.

• Practical skills include:

  • Verbal, cognitive, computational skills for practical tasks.

  • Survival and reductionist literacy intricacies, modified through society's technical evolution.

Guidelines for Literacy Programs

1. Align literacy programs with economic and social development.

2. Integrate technical knowledge along with reading and writing.

3. Start with motivated population segments requiring literacy for self and societal benefit.

4. Focus on areas undergoing rapid economic expansion.

5. Ensure lifelong learning and continual skill development.

6. Link literacy efforts to economic goals like job productivity and mobility.

7. Respond to pressing social and economic needs through targeted literacy initiatives.

Practical Applications in the Philippines

• Literacy skills are tied to job skills in various sectors: agricultural, health, vocational training, etc.

• Innovative strategies focus on job relevance to avoid mismatch in workforce skills.

Integration of New Literacies in the Curriculum

Modern Pedagogical Approaches

• Students must develop proficiencies in new literacies to thrive in today's tech-focused environments.

• Important steps include:

  • Literacy educators integrating ICT into curricula.

  • Curriculum must evolve to include emerging technologies for citizenship in a digital world.

Educational Strategies

• Incorporate authentic, outcome-based, and project-based learning activities.

• Enhance assessment practices to support real-world applications, including student engagement in creating multimedia projects.

• Leverage collaborative assignments to foster collective problem-solving skills.

Preparing Teachers for Multiliteracies

Instructional Processes

• Four components essential for effective multiliteracy teaching:

  1. Situated Practice: Aligns theoretical knowledge with practical application.

  2. Overt Instruction: Provides a structured path for learning.

  3. Critical Framing: Encourages questioning of various perspectives.

  4. Transformed Actions: Applies learned concepts directly to real-world challenges.

Support for Educators

• Teachers require resources and training in new technologies to enrich literacy instruction.

• Professional development must continually align with technological advancements and curriculum demands.