Kayla Vasquez Conversation 2

According to Szwed, the five elements of literacy are reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking. One element that stands out is critical thinking. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed judgments. It involves questioning, challenging, and exploring ideas to develop a deeper understanding. Szwed recommends an interdisciplinary approach to studying literacy. This approach combines insights from various fields such as linguistics, psychology, and sociology. When Szwed writes that “we must come to terms with the lives of people without patronizing them” in reference to ethnography, he means that researchers should approach the study of people and their cultures with respect and without patronization. If I followed Szwed’s advice as a literacy instructor at a high school in the Bronx, I would approach literacy instruction by integrating it across various subjects and disciplines. I would use real-world examples, diverse texts, and interactive activities to engage students and make literacy relevant to their lives. According to Perry, the two literacy models are the “autonomous” model and the”ideological” model. The autonomous model views literacy as a set of technical skills, focusing on individual abilities such as reading and writing. It sees literacy as a neutral tool for personal advancement.The ideological model, on the other hand, recognizes that literacy is influenced by social, cultural, and political factors. It emphasizes the power dynamics and societal implications of literacy, considering how it can reinforce or challenge existing structures. In my opinion, both models have their strengths and limitations. The choice of which model is better depends on the educational goals, context, and values of the instructor and the students. When Researching the term “orality versus literacy” reveals a contrast between oral and written forms of communication. Orality refers to the reliance on spoken language and oral traditions, while literacy refers to the ability to read and write. The concept highlights the differences in cognitive processes, social structures, and cultural practices associated with each mode of communication.