Exploring Szwed’s Insights on Literacy
In the following post I will discuss John Szwed’s elements of literacy, his recommended method of studying literacy, and the implications of his insights for literacy education.
Szwed outlines five crucial elements of literacy: text, context, function, participants, and motivation. One of the vital elements, context, refers to the environments and reasons for reading and writing. Understanding the context provides insights into the variety of reading and writing activities in different settings, such as schools, homes, and workplaces.
Szwed recommends ethnography as a method for studying literacy. Ethnography involves observing and analyzing people’s daily reading and writing practices, allowing researchers to deeply understand literacy’s role and significance in individuals’ lives without patronizing or demeaning them.
Researchers must approach participants with respect and openness, acknowledging the value and legitimacy of their literacy practices without imposing prejudiced views or assumptions. This approach fosters a deeper, more respectful understanding of literacy as it functions in various life contexts.
For educators, like a hypothetical literacy instructor in the Bronx, implementing Szwed’s insights means acknowledging and valuing students’ unique literacy practices. Teachers should incorporate students’ backgrounds and life experiences into literacy instruction, fostering an inclusive and affirming learning environment. Though not detailed in Szwed’s text, Perry proposes two literacy models. One model views literacy as a set of individual skills, while the other understands it as social practices. The appropriate model depends on one’s perspective and educational objectives.
Individuals’ literacy practices are profoundly shaped by the communities they are part of, influencing how they engage with and interpret texts. Community-based literacy practices offer rich insights into the diverse ways reading and writing function in people’s lives.
John Szwed’s insights into literacy offer invaluable guidance for researchers and educators alike. By understanding the elements of literacy, adopting ethnographic research methods, and respecting individuals’ literacy practices, we can foster a more inclusive and insightful understanding of literacy in diverse communities.
