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?