Literacy of Adolescents

What does it mean for adolescents to be literate? First we must define literacy. Literacy is not just traditional text. Literacy is being able to understand what someone is trying to convey or to convey a message or idea to an audience. Being able to communicate is the key. This can be done in many modes. Film, writing, photography, and music are a few examples. That is important to keep in mind when discussing the literacy of adolescents. Just because an adolescent does not fit into the traditional text box of literacy does not mean that they are not literate. There are many other things that affect different types of literacy. Culture, the school’s environment, and the discipline that it is can all change what type of literacy is valued and deemed important. This can affect adolescent’s ability to grow in other forms of literacy.

Schools influence adolescent literacy in different ways. Some encourage going outside of the box of traditional text, while others do not. The tone of the school and classroom along with the curriculum can also influence adolescent literacy. If you have a class that is welcoming and inviting to a diverse group, it will encourage them to explore different ideas and cultures through literacy and give minorities and others something to connect with. Using the content to hit topics on bigger issues in society will make students feel that they have a voice with what is going on in the world. Also, planning your classroom with a purpose will influence adolescent learning positively. If students see a reason and a point in being engaged they will most likely participate and see that they can be literate. This will encourage the students for the rest of their educational career to grow.

Different disciplines also determine what type of literacy students will use. Students will have a verity of classes and it is important for them to communicate in those classes as professionals from that discipline would. This will improve their literacy in multiple areas of life. In music class, they will use different terms, tools, and instruments than in a Social Studies class. Being able to communicate through music and know terms, like allegro, demonstrates literacy in that discipline. In Social Studies, being literate is to think and create arguments like a historian. This allows people to take history and put practical applications into it. Teaching students to understand that civil discourse is a productive part of society and helps bring social change is important for them to be productive citizens in the future. It is also important to be able to see an event from multiple perspectives and to sources information. This allows people to pull out the bias and see issues from multiple sides. Although it is difficult for students to see it, the literacy skills they learn from multiple disciplines will help them outside of school to be a more well-rounded citizen.

Educators can design and respond to adolescent literacy by using multiple modes in their lessons. This will allow students who are not strong in traditional text to be able to understand and learn the material. Making sure teachers are using gradual release is also better for students. This allows them to see how to do a task and scaffolds their learning so they can best succeed. When students work with their peers. When students collaborate with their peers they develop a deeper understanding of the topic and are opened to different ideas. Planning toward a goal is also important. This provides a road map for students to reach the final product instead of just grasping in the dark for it. This will provide them with structure as they learn but also give them the opportunity to choose their own path toward the same goal.

Educators should keep all of these things in mind in order to give each student the best opportunity to grow in and outside the classroom.

Sources:

“A Call to Action: What We Know About Adolescent Literacy and Ways to Support Teachers in Meeting Students’ Needs.” NCTE Comprehensive News. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.

Davis, Matt. “How Collaborative Learning Leads to Student Success.” Edutopia. N.p., 05 Dec. 2012. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.

Davis, Matt. “Preparing for Cultural Diversity: Resources for Teachers.” Edutopia. N.p., 29 Aug. 2013. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.