Unit 1- Introduction of Key Concepts : Building and Enhancing Literacies Across the Curriculum

 Niño D. Estolas, M.Ed., LPT

The program "Building New Literacies Across the Curriculum" is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate and promote new literacies in various learning areas. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, traditional notions of literacy have expanded to include a diverse set of skills and competencies essential for success in the 21st century. This program seeks to explore and understand these new literacies as dynamic social phenomena and shared cultural practices across disciplines.

Key Concepts:

1. Traditional Literacies: This encompasses foundational literacy skills such as reading, writing, and comprehension.
2. New Literacies: These include a range of skills necessary for navigating and critically engaging with contemporary society, such as media literacy, digital literacy, and cultural literacy.
3. Integration Across the Curriculum: The program emphasizes the importance of integrating new literacies seamlessly into various subject areas, allowing students to apply these skills across different contexts.
4. Teaching Strategies: Educators will learn effective teaching strategies to develop and enhance new literacies among students, including interdisciplinary explorations, inquiry-based learning, and the use of technology.
5. Lifelong Learning: Recognizing the constant evolution of literacy in the digital age, the program emphasizes the importance of fostering a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptation.

As technology advances and society becomes increasingly interconnected, new literacies have emerged as essential competencies for navigating the complexities of the modern world. These new literacies encompass a range of skills, including digital literacy, media literacy, information literacy, and critical thinking. Building and enhancing new literacies across the curriculum is essential to preparing students to thrive in the digital age.

1. Integration of Technology: One of the primary roles in building new literacies across the curriculum is the integration of technology into teaching and learning. Technology provides access to vast amounts of information and resources, allowing students to develop their digital literacy skills as they navigate online content, evaluate sources, and synthesize information. Incorporating technology tools and platforms into various subject areas enables students to develop essential digital skills while engaging with curriculum content.

2. Inquiry-Based Learning: Another key role in building new literacies across the curriculum is promoting inquiry-based learning. Inquiry-based learning encourages students to ask questions, investigate topics of interest, and seek out information independently. By engaging in inquiry-based activities, students develop critical thinking and information literacy skills as they analyze data, evaluate evidence, and draw conclusions. Inquiry-based learning fosters a culture of curiosity and exploration, empowering students to become active participants in their own learning process.

3. Authentic Learning Experiences: Providing authentic learning experiences is essential for building new literacies across the curriculum. Authentic learning experiences allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, making learning meaningful and relevant. By engaging in authentic tasks and projects, students develop problem-solving skills, communication skills, and digital literacy skills as they collaborate with peers, communicate ideas, and create digital artifacts. Authentic learning experiences bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world.

4. Cultivating Critical Thinking: Cultivating critical thinking is a fundamental aspect of building new literacies across the curriculum. Critical thinking involves analyzing information, evaluating arguments, and making reasoned judgments. By incorporating opportunities for critical thinking into the curriculum, educators can help students develop the skills needed to navigate the complexities of the digital age. Encouraging students to question assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, and construct well-reasoned arguments promotes the development of critical thinking skills essential for effective digital citizenship.

Educational Philosophies Supporting Role in Building New Literacies Across the Curriculum:

1. Constructivism: Constructivism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes active learning and the construction of knowledge through firsthand experiences. Constructivist approaches to teaching and learning align with the role of building new literacies across the curriculum by promoting inquiry-based learning, authentic learning experiences, and critical thinking. By engaging students in hands-on activities and collaborative projects, constructivist pedagogy fosters the development of new literacies essential for success in the digital age.

2. Progressivism: Progressivism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes student-centered learning and the importance of relevance and experience in the learning process. Progressivist approaches to education support the role of building new literacies across the curriculum by promoting authentic learning experiences and cultivating critical thinking skills. By connecting curriculum content to real-world contexts and encouraging students to explore their interests and passions, progressivist pedagogy prepares students to become active participants in a rapidly changing world.

3. 21st Century Skills Framework: The 21st Century Skills Framework is a holistic approach to education that emphasizes the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. This framework supports the role of building new literacies across the curriculum by providing a roadmap for integrating digital literacy, media literacy, and information literacy into teaching and learning. By focusing on the development of 21st century skills, educators can ensure that students are prepared to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Building new literacies across the curriculum is essential for preparing students to succeed in the digital age. By integrating technology, promoting inquiry-based learning, providing authentic learning experiences, and cultivating critical thinking skills, educators can empower students to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and competence. Educational philosophies such as constructivism, progressivism, and the 21st century skills framework provide valuable guidance and support for implementing effective practices to build new literacies across the curriculum. By embracing these approaches, educators can ensure that students develop the skills and competencies needed to thrive in an ever-changing global society.

References:

1. Department of Education Philippines. (n.d.). National Competency-Based Teacher Standards. Retrieved from https://www.deped.gov.ph/national-competency-based-teacher-standards/
2. Philippine Normal University. (2021). Syllabus: Building New Literacies Across the Curriculum. Retrieved from https://www.pnu.edu.ph/
3. UNESCO Bangkok. (2017). Global Citizenship Education: Topics and Learning Objectives. Retrieved from https://bangkok.unesco.org/content/global-citizenship-education-topics-and-learning-objectives
4. Philippine Association for Media and Information Literacy. (2020). About Us. Retrieved from https://pamil.awardsplatform.com/
5. Commission on Higher Education. (2017). CHED Memorandum Order No. 74 series of 2017. Retrieved from https://ched.gov.ph/ched-memorandum-order/

Unit 1- Introduction of Key Concepts : Building and Enhancing Literacies Across the Curriculum by Niño D. Estolas is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International