Deconstructing Binary Oppositions in Literacy Discourse and Pedagogy

Mills, Kathy A. (2005) Deconstructing Binary Oppositions in Literacy Discourse and Pedagogy. Australian Journal of Language and Literacy 28(01):pp. 67-82.

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Abstract

This exposition challenges three binary oppositions within literacy education in Australian primary schools from the 1950’s to the present: the skills-based versus whole language debate, the exclusively print-based approach versus multiliteracies, and the opposition between cultural heritage and critical literacy models. The six literacy approaches are briefly described, and significant criticisms raised by their detractors are argued with justification of claims. The tensions raised by each binary opposition are reconciled and reframed. The article concludes with a call for pedagogical transformation to meet the constantly changing technologically, culturally and linguistically diverse textual practices required in the twenty-first century.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Status:	Published
Keywords:	literacy education; literacy pedagogy; Australia; multiliteracies; monomodal literacy; basic skills; phonics; whole language; process writing; critical literacy; cultural heritage; discourse; binary oppositions
Subjects:	380000 Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences > 380200 Linguistics > 380201 Applied Linguistics and Educational Linguistics 380000 Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences > 380200 Linguistics 330000 Education > 330300 Professional Development of Teachers > 330302 Teacher Education - Primary 420000 Language and Culture > 420300 Cultural Studies > 420308 Multicultural, Intercultural and Cross-cultural Studies 330000 Education 420000 Language and Culture > 420100 Language Studies 420000 Language and Culture > 420300 Cultural Studies 330000 Education > 330200 Curriculum Studies > 330201 Curriculum Studies - English Education 420000 Language and Culture > 420100 Language Studies > 420101 English 330000 Education > 330300 Professional Development of Teachers > 330303 Teacher Education - Secondary 420000 Language and Culture
ID Code:	2967
Deposited By:	Mills, Kathy A.
Deposited On:	21 December 2005
Alternative Locations:	http://alea.edu.au/html/publications/16/australian-journal-of-language-and-literacy
Copyright Owner:	Copyright 2005 ALEA
Copyright Statement:	Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.
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