Literacy Across the Curriculum

Literacy Across the Curriculum (LAC) is a approach to education that emphasizes the importance of reading, writing, and critical thinking in all subject areas. The goal of LAC is to help students develop strong literacy skills that they can apply in various contexts, both within and outside of school. In this explanation, we will discuss key terms and vocabulary related to LAC in the context of the Professional Certificate in Literacy and Literacy Advocacy.

1. Disciplinary literacy: Disciplinary literacy refers to the specific literacy practices and requirements of different subject areas. For example, the literacy demands of history are different from those of mathematics or science. Disciplinary literacy involves understanding the unique language, texts, and conventions of a particular subject area and using them to communicate and make meaning. 2. Text sets: Text sets are collections of texts that are related by topic, theme, or genre. They can include a variety of texts, such as fiction and nonfiction books, articles, primary sources, and multimedia resources. Text sets are used in LAC to support students in developing disciplinary literacy skills and to provide them with a range of perspectives and information on a particular topic. 3. Close reading: Close reading is a careful and systematic approach to reading that involves analyzing and interpreting a text closely. It involves reading a text multiple times, annotating it, and asking questions to deepen understanding. Close reading is an important strategy in LAC because it helps students to engage deeply with complex texts and to develop critical thinking skills. 4. Academic vocabulary: Academic vocabulary refers to the words and phrases that are frequently used in academic contexts. These words are often technical or subject-specific and may not be familiar to all students. Developing a strong academic vocabulary is essential for success in school and beyond, as it enables students to understand and communicate complex ideas. 5. Writing to learn: Writing to learn is a pedagogical approach that involves using writing as a tool for learning. It involves writing for a variety of purposes, such as to clarify thinking, to synthesize information, or to communicate ideas. Writing to learn is an important strategy in LAC because it helps students to deepen their understanding of a subject and to develop critical thinking skills. 6. Genre: Genre refers to the category or type of text, such as a narrative, expository, or persuasive text. Understanding genre is an important aspect of disciplinary literacy because different genres have different conventions and purposes. 7. Text-dependent questions: Text-dependent questions are questions that require students to refer to the text in order to answer them. They are used to promote close reading and to help students to develop a deep understanding of a text. Text-dependent questions are an important strategy in LAC because they help students to engage with complex texts and to develop critical thinking skills. 8. Metacognition: Metacognition refers to the process of thinking about one's own thinking. It involves being aware of and reflecting on one's own learning processes and strategies. Developing metacognitive skills is essential for success in school and beyond, as it enables students to take control of their own learning and to become independent learners. 9. Discourse community: A discourse community is a group of people who share a common set of communication practices and values. Understanding the discourse community of a particular subject area is an important aspect of disciplinary literacy because it enables students to communicate effectively with others in that community. 10. Literacy event: A literacy event is a situation in which literacy is used for a particular purpose. It can involve reading, writing, speaking, or listening. Understanding the literacy events of a particular subject area is an important aspect of disciplinary literacy because it enables students to understand the purposes and conventions of literacy in that context.

Examples:

* A history teacher might use a text set on the Civil War to support students in developing disciplinary literacy skills and to provide them with a range of perspectives on the topic. * A science teacher might use close reading and text-dependent questions to help students engage with complex texts and to develop critical thinking skills. * An English teacher might use writing to learn strategies to help students deepen their understanding of a novel and to develop critical thinking skills. * A mathematics teacher might use academic vocabulary instruction to help students understand and communicate complex mathematical concepts.

Practical Applications:

* Teachers can use text sets to support students in developing disciplinary literacy skills and to provide them with a range of perspectives on a particular topic. * Teachers can use close reading and text-dependent questions to help students engage with complex texts and to develop critical thinking skills. * Teachers can use writing to learn strategies to help students deepen their understanding of a subject and to develop critical thinking skills. * Teachers can use academic vocabulary instruction to help students understand and communicate complex concepts.

Challenges:

* It can be challenging for teachers to find or create text sets that are relevant and appropriate for their students. * It can be challenging for teachers to teach close reading and text-dependent questions in a way that is engaging and accessible for all students. * It can be challenging for teachers to teach writing to learn strategies in a way that is relevant and meaningful for their students. * It can be challenging for teachers to teach academic vocabulary in a way that is memorable and useful for their students.

In conclusion, Literacy Across the Curriculum (LAC) is a approach to education that emphasizes the importance of reading, writing, and critical thinking in all subject areas. Key terms and vocabulary related to LAC include disciplinary literacy, text sets, close reading, academic vocabulary, writing to learn, genre, text-dependent questions, metacognition, discourse community, and literacy event. Understanding these terms and vocabulary is essential for teachers who want to support students in developing strong literacy skills and to help them become independent learners. By using the strategies and approaches discussed in this explanation, teachers can support students in developing disciplinary literacy skills, critical thinking skills, and metacognitive awareness.