How Will Literacy Be Defined in the New Millennium?

Abstract

In this “RRQ Snippet,” five literacy researchers offer their insights in answering the title question. Topics including the influence of technology, standards, and classroom and student diversity are discussed.

How Well Suited are Electronic Books to Supporting Literacy?

“…In the near future we expect exponential growth in this genre as the books can be run on handy, less expensive computers (cf. Cunningham et al, 2000).…”

The Effect of Authentic Literacy Experiences as Book Buddies with Hispanic Fourth Graders on Preservice Teachers’ Literacy Content Knowledge and Reading Maturity

“…For this study the researcher has selected the implicit definition of literacy presented by Cunningham (2000) that consists of three parts "(a) the ability to engage in some of the unique aspects of reading and writing, (b) contextualization to some extent within the broad demands of the society, and (c) some minimal level of practical proficiency" (p. 64).…”

“…In writing about possible definitions of literacy in the new millennium the implicit definition of literacy presented by Cunningham (2000) consists of three parts "(a) the ability to engage in some of the unique aspects of reading and writing, (b) contextualization to some extent within the broad demands of the society, and (c) some minimal level of practical proficiency" (p. 64). Cunningham's (2000) implicit definition of literacy is the one that this researcher has adapted to arrive at a definition of literacy in teacher education, because the researcher could not specifically locate an existing definition of literacy teacher education.…”

“…Literacy Teacher Education as defined by this researcher, based on Cunningham's (2000) implicit definition of literacy, is education provided to preservice teachers that will enable them (a) to engage in and subsequently be prepared to teach aspects of reading and writing, (b) to be able to contextualize and subsequently be prepared to teach the concept of contextualization and (c) to reach at least a minimal level of practical proficiency in teaching literacy.…”

The impact of the Ontario secondary school literacy test on L2 students

“…The literature above has shown how the definition of literacy differs depending on certain contexts, but the contexts have been largely spatial. Cunningham (2000) discusses how the definition literacy can change across time, as he believes that profound changes in society have an impact on the definition of literacy (Cunningham 2000:64). In the 21 st century, new technology is playing a fundamental role in society and has had a significant impact on the way people go about their daily lives and communicate with one another.…”