3.2 Literacies: Understanding literacy
The wider significance of 'literacies'
Quite rightly, we associate the word literacy with the ability to read, write and count. At its very core, The National Literacy Trust defines it as 'the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world'. Here we explore the significance of literacy as a global concern and expand our understanding of literacy beyond this into digital, media and information literacies.
What is the global situation in regard to literacy?
UNESCO notes in 2023 '763 million adults still cannot read and write, two thirds of them women, and 250 million children are failing to acquire basic literacy skills'[1].
Why is literacy more than being able to read, write and count?
Start out by considering how you would define literacy. Write this down. Now read the following
'Acquiring literacy is not a one-off act. Beyond its conventional concept as a set of reading, writing and counting skills, literacy is now understood as a means of identification, understanding, interpretation, creation, and communication in an increasingly digital, text-mediated, information-rich and fast-changing world. Literacy is a continuum of learning and proficiency in reading, writing and using numbers throughout life and is part of a larger set of skills, which include digital skills, media literacy, education for sustainable development and global citizenship as well as job-specific skills. Literacy skills themselves are expanding and evolving as people engage more and more with information and learning through digital technology'[1].
How does this compare to your original thoughts on literacy? What surprises are there? How can you expand your definition of literacy? Consider the following topics. How are they affected by increased literacy rates?
Poverty Labour market Health Sustainable Development Family Gender
Teacher notes
'Literacy empowers and liberates people. Beyond its importance as part of the right to education, literacy improves lives by expanding capabilities which in turn reduces poverty, increases participation in the labour market and has positive effects on health and sustainable development. Women empowered by literacy have a positive ripple effect on all aspects of development. They have greater life choices for themselves and an immediate impact on the health and education of their families, and in particular, the education of girl children'. UNESCO, https://www.unesco.org/en/literacy/need-know
Intercultural Understanding and Effective Communication
Consider the UN Sustainable Development Goals[2] and the connection to literacy. Remember the statistic from UNESCO that in 2023 '763 million adults still cannot read and write, two thirds of them women, and 250 million children are failing to acquire basic literacy skills'[1]. Have a good look around, particularly exploring a goal that sounds less familiar to you. Now zoom in on one. (As a class you can divide up the sustainable development goals and work individually, pair or group). Spend time exploring the information available and consider:
a) How does reduced rates of literacy play a part in this global concern?
b) How might increased rates of literacy play a part in reaching this goal?
c) Can you find examples to support any of your findings?
Decide an engaging way to present your information both visually and verbally.
Reflection: You have focused on one sustainable development goal in particular but there are 16 others and you may have heard from your peers about their explorations. Reflect in your PPS portfolio on how your career-related subject may relate to the UN Sustainable Development Goal. Are there other local or global examples that might play a part or have something to say about this global issues?
Did you know that this exercise practices many skills needed for the Reflective Project?
Think about the role the ATL skills areas of research, thinking and communication have played a role here? And research, thinking and communication all play a part in the exploration of the ethical dilemma and critical analysis you will do, not to mention considering international-mindedness!