literacy in three metaphors
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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?
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