Abstract This paper discusses literacy issues for children living in Australia. The paper begins by examining the many differing conceptions of how to define literacy and exactly which elements constitute the amorphous area of literacy. Then, the paper looks at the varying types of literacy teaching in schools. The paper also discusses the intense scrutiny that the subject of childhood literacy is coming under in Australia. Reports of declining literacy levels led to a perception of a "literacy crisis", which has prompted government officials to take action. This paper also explores those steps.
From the Paper "The importance of spoken language should not be underestimated in the acquisition of literacy. Obviously, the need for literacy will not be relevant to societies where there is no written form of their language, therefore the following discussion will be limited to societies with written forms of their language thus leading to expectations of literacy. Whilst spoken and written language are interrelated, there are also differences between them. The first difference is that spoken language predates written language in history (Stubbs, 1980, p.25). Naturally, it is not possible to make an assertion as to the time differential, however it is logical to state that people have always needed to be able to orally communicate."
Abstract This paper analyze three articles relating to childhood literacy and literacy in the home. It discusses how the family can contribute to the literacy of young children. The paper explores various literacy learning opportunities.
From the Paper "This article looks at how the family can contribute to the literacy of young children and how teachers can continue the early process begun at home to help children learn in, what is to them, a more natural setting the classroom becomes ..."
Tags: childhood literacy, home learning, family literacyparental assessment
Abstract This is a three page paper on the importance of literacy in modern society. The essay examines this question briefly from a variety of stances. Included are points regarding the value of an educated populace, the literacy requirements of modern businesses, and the centrality of literacy to modern education.
From the Paper "The modern world demands literacy as the cost for success in nearly every avenue of life. Literacy is fundamental to the operation and furtherance of Western civilization. A literate citizenry is wider read, understands more complex issues, and is better capable of functioning in society. In short, a literate population is a stronger What makes literacy so important to modern life? Laymen often challenge this conception, arguing that once they graduated from school they never picked up another book. However, this picture of reading doesn't take into account the sometimes-central role that literacy can play in the workplace. The United Way estimates that illiteracy costs U.S. businesses and taxpayers roughly $20 billion a year. Additionally, $5 billion a year is spent in the U.S. supporting individuals who are unemployed because of illiteracy (Korkki 7)."
Abstract This paper considers the definition of literacy in divergent examples, specifically in regards to the Amish, a Broadway play, and a University Academic Integrity committee. The paper outlines the complexity of defining and applying concepts of literacy by reviewing three representative texts describing different approaches to literacy in these three communities.
From the Paper "Literacy is a seemingly simple concept that, upon close inspection, has many interpretations. On a base level it indicates the ability to read and write and could therefore be viewed as a value-neutral process in which people learn a tool that they can then use to gather or produce written communication. However, once one begins to consider what literacy means in different cultural contexts, the concept takes on a level of complexity that suggests learning to communicate is influenced by class distinctions, religious beliefs, personal integrity, and many other factors. This paper will consider the concept of literacy through the prisms of what it means to three different communities: an Old Order Amish community, a University Academic Discipline Committee and the New York literati as regarding a play produced on Broadway."
Abstract This high-level paper examines adult literacy education through use of technology. According to the study, this approach enhances the learning experience and outcomes of the adult learner. This is accomplished through technological aides in the classroom and in distance learning initiatives. The adult literacy programs were implemented in order to train and retrain adult workers in order to optimize the workforce. The findings of this study also show that the adult learner and the world-at-large benefits from this enhancement in the educational provision of the adult literacy learner.
Table of Contents:
Discussion of Literature Reviewed
Findings of the Study
Limitations of the Study
Recommendations of the Study
Bibliography
From the Paper "This research proposes that just as an adult must be literate in the languages, technology is in essence a language as well in which literacy acquisition begets the acquisition of literacy, which may indeed be transferable across-literacy just as language principles are transferable across language learning for the bilingual student. Technology is global in nature and is that spoken worldwide in many initiatives, efforts and processes. Technology is 'key' in adult literacy acquisition both in terms of the tools and aides provided and in the acquisition of the language of technology as well. "
Abstract This paper studies the Bronze Age which was one of the great eras of our European past. It describes the widespread adoption of bronze metallurgy across Europe at the time, as well as the many technological advances. It examines the levels of literacy as well as the society and the writings of the Bronze Age scribes. It also discusses "The Linear B Decipherment" and how Evans continued to study it after the Balkan War. Finally, the paper concludes that the effects of writing and literacy on society were great and significant.
From the Paper "Anthropologists and archaeologists call certain societies "iron age" or ?bronze age.? In doing this they recognize that the properties of the main metal used by a society's technology greatly affect both its use and through this the nature of that society. For instance, bronze unlike iron is too soft to be used for ploughing; it is an alloy. Bronze can be smelted at lower temperatures than iron which need specialized supplies of charcoal. All these facts affect societies which use bronze and iron. For example, since bronze cannot be used for ploughing these societies cannot produce in many regions the large agriculture surplus iron societies can; since bronze requires tin bronze age societies had to trade, etc. (Claiborne, 1974) I believe the same parallel exists between the different characteristics of different writing systems and its use as a communication technology in a society."
Abstract This paper studies the effect of female literacy on population growth. Using the 2SLS model, this paper establishes a negative relationship between the two. A comparative analysis of the two states of India, Bihar and Kerala, reveals the same trend. However, the paper brings out the subtle differences in the social ethos of these states. The paper distinctly establishes the dominant role of female literacy in population control and recommends suitable priorities to public policy planners
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Population Theories and Economic Growth
Human Capital and Endogenous Growth Models
Which Factors Influence Population Growth
The Dominant Factor Debate
The Religious Factor Debate
The "Traditional" Factor Debate
Data and Methodology
District Level Macro Analysis Methodology
Block Level Micro Analysis Methodology
Findings
The District Level Macro Findings
Analysis by Each Variable
Block Level Micro Findings
The Spatial Analysis and the "Patna Puzzle"?
Conclusion and Policy Recommendations
References
End Notes
Appendices
From the Paper "The past decade (1991-2001) has been a watershed for India in more ways than one. While this decade saw the boldest economic reforms in India's history making it possible to emerge from the Hindu Rate of Growth, the decade also witnessed the sharpest decline in population growth (2.52% points, See Chart 1) coupled with the sharpest increase in female literacy (14.87% points) since Independence. A somewhat similar feat was achieved by the Indian State of Bihar for the period 1991-1997 where it registered a high literacy growth with the sharpest expected decadal decline in population growth (1.68% points) . Unfortunately, after 1997, unprecedented political instability led to the State slipping on these indices so much so that it finally registered a dismal performance on both the fronts of female literacy (lowest in the country) and population growth ( 2.8%, which is higher than the national average of 2.1%) for the entire decade (1991-2001) taken as a whole. An exceedingly good performance in this area (both at the national level and the State level) has prompted me to explore whether literacy (particularly female literacy) carries a more direct bearing on population control than other methods such as mass media campaigns, family planning, and sterilization."
Abstract This investigation was conducted with 100 fifth grade students, one library media specialist and four fifth grade teachers in order to determine whether collaboration between the media specialist and two classroom teachers causes an increase in information literacy scores in the two classes of fifth grade students (50 students) when compared with the control group of two fifth grade classes (50 students). The summary, conclusion, implications and recommendations maintain that the collaborative teaching approach provides both learning disabled and their non-disadvantaged peers with improved opportunities for achieving academic, social and vocational success. This complete dissertation contains several original graphs and appendices.
Outline
Abstract
List of Tables
Chapter I Introduction
Chapter II: Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Background
Historical Perspectives
Role Clarification
Partnerships with Principals
Media Specialist Collaboration with Teachers
Student Considerations
Theoretical Basis for the Study Summary
Chapter III: Method of Investigation
References
Appendix A. The Big Six Skills Approach
Appendix B. Checklist based on the Literacy Standards for Students
Chapter IV: Data Analysis
Chapter V: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "The work of librarians has dramatically changed in recent decades. Today's librarian is primarily a teacher of information literacy (Eisenberg, 2002), and as such, collaborates with classroom teachers to ensure that they are effective users of ideas and information. As a partner, the school librarian, now entitled "media specialist," joins with teachers and students to help them learn how students to use a wide variety of print, nonprint, and electronic information resources. In many ways, the media specialist helps everyone in the school become more adept at participating in electronic information retrieval. The media specialist is an ambassador and a diplomat, showing everyone in the school how to use the Internet, search engines, and electronic databases. It is very important that the combined staff of teachers and media specialist have common goals, a shared vision and work together in a climate of trust and respect (Muronago & Harada, 1999). The research question to be investigated is whether collaboration of a media specialist with fifth grade teachers in fact increases the information literacy of the students in the classrooms."
Abstract This paper looks at the lack of literacy seen in older students and the different methods for correcting the problem. It examines some of the current practices used to improve literacy, particularly the program of Jane Fell Greene, known as "Language!".
From the Paper "There is a serious problem in this country among young people because they cannot read well enough to get a good job with a career path once they leave school, participate in civic responsibilities or even read a book or newspaper. Because of their low level of practical literacy, they are being left behind at a time when society and the workplace are becoming increasingly technological and requiring higher levels of reading, writing and communication skills to compete. The No Child Left Behind Act attempts to..."
Abstract The paper identifies two research articles that examine the importance of emergent literacy in the overall reading development of young children, particularly in at-risk situations. The paper maintains, therefore, that young children must be provided with literacy techniques that will capture their interest through creativity and other effective developmental strategies.
From the Paper "The creation of emergent literacy programs requires a comprehensive analysis of existing research and specific evaluation of journal articles is one of the most effective strategies for analysis. A wide body of research exists regarding this topic which covers many populations and evidence suggests that emergent literacy is one of the most interesting strategies that is available for educators in today's world (Yaden, Rowe, & MacGillivray, 1999). The following discussion will examine two journal articles regarding emergent literacy, evaluating their perspectives on the topic and the effectiveness of this strategy in promoting positive educational outcomes."
Abstract The paper discusses literacy in the United States. It further examines issues related to literacy and education, as well as how individuals can seem to be literate, but maintain comprehension levels that identify illiteracy. The paper also analyzes what this impact has on the future of today's children, and conclusions are drawn based upon the research.
From the Paper "Americans traditionally think of literacy in terms of educational programs that enhance the lives of children through their ability to read and write. When society then discusses illiteracy those thoughts immediately transfer to images of individuals who do not have the ability to even decode the alphabet. However, in the United States there are currently millions of children that would be considered literate; yet, they have the comprehension rates of those that are illiterate, because somewhere in their lives during education they stopped expanding their abilities in reading. This situation causes many individuals to be destined to lives of poverty, and forced to be outcast from the social order because of their inability to read. It is contended, therefore, that literacy is significant in American society because it has the ability to offer everyone an equal chance at success, and can be a tool that alters life for millions."
Abstract This paper evaluates computer/technological literacy, the term given to frequent use of modern technologies, especially computers. It examines how with the growing use of computers in the workplace, classroom and home in addition to the Internet coming into common use as a marketplace, bank, library and communications tool, technological/computer literacy has become unavoidable. It discusses how computer literacy affects the notion of literacy itself and if they can be considered one and the same. Literacy at a basic level is considered the ability to read and therefore technology only provides a different medium with which to do so. It concludes that computer literacy is not is not an independent entity, but an extension and an expansion of literacy itself. Questions of the necessity of technological literacy are raised and discussed, and the relationship between "standard" literacy and computer or technological literacy is also analyzed.
From the Paper "New technologies, especially computers, are now being used personally as well. According to L.D. Labbo, computers are now being utilized in the home for things like "digital shopping, travel services, studying, mail services, chatting, spiritual counseling, banking, [and] the paying of taxes"? (Labbo, Reinking and McKenna 275). In addition to these functions, the use of technology has increased significantly over the past few years. More people are using cellular phones, "personal digital assistants" (PDAs), handheld computers and other wireless communication devices. Also, ATM machines are now commonplace, and hardly an urban block exists without one or (more frequently) more cash machines available for quick withdrawals."
Abstract This research paper examines the impact of integrating a media literacy unit into a public high school ninth grade Basic TV Production course in an effort to measure the development of student critical inquiry, thinking and viewing of media technology. This study expands upon initial research conducted by Renee Hobbs and Richard Frost (1999) in "Instructional Practices in Media Literacy Education and Their Impact on Student's Learning". In addition, the paper also discusses the concept of literacy as a prerequisite to the role it plays in the media arena. The paper contends that because media plays a more prevalent role in our everyday lives, it is imperative that literacy be incorporated into the educational structure, particularly for students are involved in media production.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Objectives of the Study
Background
Statement of the Problem
Current Approaches to Media Literacy Education
The Significance of This Study
Research Questions
Literature Review
Goals of Media Literacy Guidelines for Media Instruction
Measuring Media Literacy in the K-12 Classroom
Implementing a Media Literacy Program
The Conceptual Framework
Research Methodology
Research Design
Sample Selection
Limitations of the Study
Data to Be Collected
Instrumentation
Definition of Key Terms
Information Sources
From the Paper "Student's have their own ideas about what and how to use certain mediums to express their ideas. Nicholas (2001) states that "Eisner (1994) contends that forms of representation influence how students' perceive, how they think, and how they express understanding. Each from embodies a different way to experience the world. The implications of student perceptions of different forms of representation relate to issues of cognitive pluralism and curricular balance. Providing students with frequent opportunities to construct and express meaning in different forms using a variety of symbol systems addresses the learners' capacity and need to create and manipulate symbols. The absence of these choices limits students' learning experiences and inhibits development of multiple forms of literacy. Advocates for an enriched curriculum argue that a wide spectrum of subjects, including visual arts, dance, music, theatre, and media production should be considered integral to a general education.""
Abstract This paper discusses the relationship between literacy and mathematics and how children who struggle with literacy generally struggle with maths too. It describes and examines five lessons plans for a mathematics class, in terms of ability to integrate math and literacy skills. The paper contains the original sources for the five lesson plans.
Table of Contents:
Lesson Plan #1: Teach Your Friends Polynomials
Aim of the Lesson
Literacy Elements Incorporated
How, When Why, Where and for Whom they were Used
Compare Quality from Beginning to End
Lesson Plan #2: Graphing Population Studies
Aim of the Lesson
Literacy Elements Incorporated
How, When Why, Where and for Whom they were Used
Compare Quality from Beginning to End
Lesson Plan #3: Adding Fun Game
Aim of the Lesson
Literacy Elements Incorporated
How, When Why, Where and for Whom they were Used
Compare Quality from Beginning to End
Lesson Plan #4: Word Problems and Technology
Aim of the Lesson
Literacy Elements Incorporated
How, When Why, Where and for Whom they were Used
Compare Quality from Beginning to End
Lesson Plan #5: Sorting Through Life
Aim of the Lesson
Literacy Elements Incorporated
How, When Why, Where and for Whom they were Used
Compare Quality from Beginning to End
From the Paper "The students must have the necessary skills to search for and read information found on the Internet to be included in their presentation. The students must be able to organize text and present it in a concise, coherent fashion. The students must have sufficient keyboarding and software skills to be able to make the final presentation."
"Teaching others is a great way to master skills. This lesson allows students to become the teacher. They must master the skills in order to be able to teach them. The students create a tutorial for their classmates, which forces them to research and learn the material thoroughly before preparing the presentation."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of developing literacy skills, as apart from facilitating reading and writing, literacy allows us to make choices and participate fully in society. It provides an overview of the work of educationalists through the years and concludes that due to the importance of this subject literary studies should continue to be carried out.
Outline:
Jefferson, Education and Literacy Freire, Education and Literacy Lankshear, Education and Literacy Henry Giroux, Education and Literacy Perspectives on Literacy Conclusion
From the Paper "Fundamental to the advocacy of literacy as an element of free and democratic societies is Thomas Jefferson's. According to him, there is direct relationship between good governance, responsible citizenship and literacy (Kozol, 1985) This implies that without literacy, governments can not claim that it is effective and neither can its citizens be able to fully participate and become active in society. Literacy is seen as critical to well-being and the ability to become productive. Similar to Socratic views on knowledge, learning and virtue, an illiterate person is not able to develop the knowledge that can bring his enlightenment so that he can live a moral and just life (Freeman & Kassebaum, 1956). Such a view also suggests that literacy is an agent of social progress and the vehicle for social justice, liberty and democracy."
