Authentic Literacy in Education
What is authentic Literacy?
“Students are carefully reading and rereading with a
clear, engaging purpose. Then they are thinking
analytically and evaluating as they develop their
deeper understanding of the text and communicate
that orally and in writing. These activities are the
essence of true, authentic literacy—of an educated
mind.” – ACSD.org
"Focus" by Mike Schmoker
Read these pages:
- Literacy Rich Curriculum pages 20-23
- 3 Shifts to the Soul of the ELA Common Core pages 42 & 43
- Literacy Based Lessons pages 100-112
Testing
ReplyDeleteSpecifically applying authentic literacy lesson plans in a math classroom context, I see tremendous value in spending instructional time on the first two components: teaching vocabulary, and establishing a purpose for the reading. This has a direct translation to what we affectionately call "story problems". However, I've had a shift in my approach to these applications. If I am focusing on building the authentic literacy of my students while also teaching them the concepts and procedures they ought to master, would it not make sense to START the unit with these "story problems", not try to work towards them in culmination? If we start a lesson or a unit by reading into a problem, I get the opportunity to explain certain vocabulary terms students may not be familiar with. We can then move towards the purpose of the reading ("What is the problem at heart that needs a mathematical solution?"), which easily lends its way towards a group discussion. What are we going to do about this? Can anybody draw or demonstrate what's going on? Maybe by walking through this one piece at a time as I've described, I can help to formalize the concepts and procedures I am setting out to teach and for them to learn. When a new definition or procedure is taught side-by-side with authentic literacy, students are experiencing applications and reinforcing WHY a procedure must happen the way it has been taught.
ReplyDeleteAlso, authentic literacy lesson plans in math are... interesting, to say the least. Some days I just want all of my classes to solve hard math problems and be happy about it! That's not really enough in view of their entire education and what they will be expected to do beyond high school.
Reading with an understanding of vocabulary, discussion, and writing are keys to an education that transforms lives (page 100). I appreciate the importance of teaching what active reading looks like, modeling engaged discussions, and demonstrating effective writing. I have found the "pair up and share" described on page 106 helps all students become engaged in the learning process. "Talking is not only one of the best ways to digest information, it also provides a needed break and a low-threat opportunity to get feedback from peers on their ability to read for meaning." Kindergarten is not too early to begin guided practice in all three of these activities.
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