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EDUCATION 342-3
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Contemporary Approaches to Literacy Instruction
Spring Semester, 1990
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Instructor:
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Carmen Rodriguez
Wednesday, 4:30 - 7:20 p.m.
First class will be January 17th
Location: Harbour Centre 1430
PREREQUISITES:
Education 341
- to reflect on the literacy theory studied in Education 341 and on its
application to the field of literacy instruction.
- to arrive at an historical understanding of the development of different
approaches to adult literacy instruction, both in developed and under-
developed socieities.
- to survey current approaches to literacy instruction around the world, with
particular emphasis on Canada and British Columbia.
- to arrive at a critical understanding of some adult literacy programs in the
Lower Mainland.
TOPICS:
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the literacy/illiteracy dichotomy: review of the theory/application to literacy
instruction.
- the purposes of literacy instruction, the role of the literacy instructor.
- the adult literacy learner
- an historical overview of literacy instruction: the "bottom-up" approach,
language experience, whole language, Freirian education.
- the theory behind the practice: what is understood by reading and writing?
- literacy programs in Canada, Great Britain and the Third World
- literacy programs in British Columbia, with particular emphasis on the
Lower Mainland.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Brian V. Street, Literac
y
in Theor y and Practice.
Joyce Cameron. A Guide for Tutoring Adult Literacy Students
Adult Basic Literac y Curriculum Guide and Resource Book
Audrey Thomas. ?
Kit
Audrey Thomas.
Exemplary Adult Literacy Prop-rams and
Innu_al
l
Practices in Canada.
In addition, the instructor will provide a package of required readings.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Student evaluation will be based on completion of a mid-term take-home exam
(30%), group presentations (30%) and a final paper (40%).
