Spring 2008 Inquiry Seminar in Literacy

Multiple Literacies: What? And So What?

Dr. Jim Rycik

Stark Regional Center

DESCRIPTION:    The term "multiple literacies" refers to the many kinds of texts and literacy practices that are intertwined with contemporary life.  This seminar explored the nature of "new literacies" such as instant messaging, web pages, and "blogging" as well as new texts such as wiki books, graphic novels, and postmodern picture books.  We also considered the implications of multiple literacies for schools.  In particular, we examined some ways to close the gap between the broad array of media, audiences, and print and nonprint genres that students experience outside of school and the limited range of reading and writing they do in the classroom.

The central text for our seminar was:

Anstey, M. and Bull, G. (2006) Teaching and Learning Multiliteracies.  Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

                  We met five times on Saturday mornings between the end of January and the end of April.  Exact dates will be negotiated by the group.  We read and discussed Teaching and Learning Multiliteracies and several assigned articles in order to develop a basic understanding of the topic.  We then developed a set of "umbrella questions" to guide our further investigation. Answers to these questions provided the basis for presentations at the Inquiry Fair in Ashland on May 3.  Participants will also complete a project applying the seminar ideas to a specific school or classroom setting.  Most of these projects will be completed in late June or early July.

                  Each student is compiling a portfolio documenting reading reflections, and containing group and individual products that apply their new knowledge.  The portfolio will include an annotated bibliography showing in-depth reading and a "publishable" product that will be shared beyond the seminar. 

PowerPoint Presentation: Multiple Literacies

Inquiry Umbrella Question #1: How do we define a multiliterate person?