Introducing Language, Literacy and Literature for Educators

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Curtin University *

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1021

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Communications

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Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by MasterResolveShark32

Introducing Language, Literacy and Literature for Educators Assessment 1: Short Essay (30%) Due: Thursday March 31 st Short essay 1: The term ‘multiliteracies’ is preferred by some educationalists over the term ‘literacy.’ Explain what ‘multiliteracies’ means and how this differs from traditional ideas of literacy. The pedagogy of literacy and multiliteracies is ever-changing to keep up with the fast-moving world students need to keep up with. This essay will cover the terms 'literacy' and 'multiliteracies' and how they contrast while looking at how traditional literacy and multiliteracies have changed to accommodate the progressing classroom. In an education setting, literacy and multiliteracies have different terms and meanings that have been used as the foundation informing the Curriculum. The definition of what literacy means is constantly changing and evolving to better gauge what society is asking for at that point in time (Anstey et al. 2018, p. 3). The Australian Curriculum defines literacy as involving students using different multimodal tools such as listening, reading, viewing, speaking, and creating to interpret and use language confidently in and out of school (ACARA, 2016). In contrast to literacy, the pedagogy of multiliteracies encourages a wide range of verbal, cultural, communicative, and technological perspectives, as well as multimodal tools to help students better prepare for a rapidly changing world (Cazden et al. 1996, p.66). The significant difference between the two is that multiliteracies are not the clear view of literacy and how it should be taught in the classroom. Multiliteracies pedagogy is that literacy is not purely restricted to written forms of language but involves multiple forms of learning such as pictures, music, and creative arts (Cazden et al., 1996 as cited in Sang, 2017. p. 17). Over the years, what is considered the correct definition of literacy and multiliteracies is constantly varying. Literacy is not fixed but is ever-evolving. Literacy is constantly changing (Lankshear et al. 2000. p.251). The traditional definition of literacy is the ability to use language to read, speak and write (NWE; Literacy, 2019). Literacy in 1

the 21st Century refers to students harnessing language through multimodal tools to progress confidently into society. An example of this being applied in the classroom is by students reading and saying letters aloud that the classroom teacher has written on the class whiteboard. Contrary to the traditional meaning of literacy, multiliteracies are becoming the future of teaching within the classroom. It involves multiple forms of learning, such as pictures, music, and creative arts (Sang, 2017. p. 17). An example of how different manifestations of multiliteracies can be used while developing pre-reading skills is when the classroom teacher is reading a book to the class. Through visual aids, the student is able to learn the letters of the alphabet through sight, and then the student would go back to their desk and trace letters using a directional letter mat, utilising writing. Another visual and audio form of multiliteracy is using educational videos and songs for students to engage in to learn letters and words. The critical difference between traditional literacy and multiliteracies within the classroom is how information is presented to students. Even though printed and written literacy is essential, it is only one method of teaching literacy. In contrast, multiliteracies open up a wide range of alternative resources for teachers to engage with students (Sang, 2017. p. 17). In conclusion, the pedagogy of literacy and multiliteracies in education is constantly changing and ever-evolving to keep up with the fast-moving pace of society. Throughout this essay, different ways literacy and multiliteracy could be used within the classroom were discussed, and the difference between the two was challenged. It was evident that even though written and visual forms of literacy are essential to keep up with the evolving classroom, multiliteracies are becoming more vital as it accesses more multimodal forms of education. 2

Short essay 2: Identify why a student may benefit from being taught in such a way in classrooms. In your response, consider how this may support students from different language and social class backgrounds. Classrooms today are becoming more diverse in social groups, ethnicity, gender, and cultural settings. For this reason, it is essential for the educator to consider multiliteracy forms of education while panning lessons to benefit students from all different social and ethnic backgrounds. Multiliteracy encourages educators to use a various range of verbal, cultural, communicative, and technological perspectives, as well as multimodal tools to help students better engage through visual, audio, and written work (Cazden et al. 1996, p.66). A multiliterate class covers all aspects of these learning styles. Pedagogy is one in which educators constantly remake language dynamics to improve their students' cultural aspect of learning (NLG, 1996, p. 64). A study conducted in 2016 indicated that using the multiliteracies pedagogy with multimodal tools promoted students' independent learning, motivation, and learning techniques (Ganapathy, 2016). An example of how an educator can benefit through a multiliteracy approach to teaching is by being creative and integrating movies, music, art, and pictures into lesson plans (McLachlan, 2021). Being creative benefits both the educator and the student. This example discussed by McLachlan supports how educators can use a range of different multimodal tools to create a multiliteracy learning environment. The 21st Century classroom has never been more diverse regarding students' social, ethnic, political, or cultural backgrounds. For this reason, it has never been more important for educators to take varied approaches to teach a lesson concerning different multimodal tools, considering the social diversity and background of said students learning and communicating (Kulju et al., 2018. p.81). A multiliterate approach to teaching is highly valuable as it requires students to create their own way of thinking and learning in order to benefit them in life out of school and in the workplace (Cazden et al., 1996). In a classroom, a multiliterate approach may include visual pictures, film, or music aids to convey information to the student (Educational Opportunities and Challenges, 2009). Multiliteracies could be used to further support a student from a different language or social class background 3

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