EED 2203

Building and Enhancing New

Literacies Across the
Curriculum
Traditional Literacy
VIOLA A. BARNACHEA
 What is Traditional Literacy?

A. Traditional Literacy
B. Functional Literacy
C. Emergent Literacy
D. Basic Literacy Skill
Traditional / Functional Literacy
UNESCO defines FUNCTIONAL LITERACY as a practical skill set needed
to read, write and do math for real-life purposes, so people can
function effectively in their community.
(Cocchiarella, 2018)

“The traditional literacy skillset contains the traditional literacies of

reading, writing , speaking, and listening.”
(Churchill http://www.slideshare.net/zvezdan/ new-literacy-in-the-
web-20-world)
Literacy Skills
Basic literacy skill is one of the four classifications of literacy which are results of the functional
literacy assessment created by the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL). The
classifications are as follows:
1. Below Basic Literacy- reading and writing words and numbers in very simple documents. (Ex.
Identifying basic symbols from a chart or map; signing forms; adding monetary amounts when
depositing in a bank)

2. Basic Literacy- performing simple skills to understand short texts. (Ex. Reading a brochure or
graphic ad; understanding a basic manual or guide; comparing prices when purchasing)

3. Intermediate Literacy- performing challenging skills to understand long texts. (Ex. Looking up
information in a reference book; summarizing a long article; placing an order and calculating the
cost)

4. Proficient Literacy- performing creative and critical thinking skills to understand complex texts.
(Ex. Screening news articles- fake vs. real; interpreting statistical reports, comparing food items
according to cost by computing per ounce or grams).
Functional Literacy
Functional literacy is the ability to apply the knowledge gained to functional purposes. This skill is not
normally measured objectively. This is the application of the skills in real-life situations or are applied
for sustainability. Functional literacy have been identified into several kinds. The following are some of
the many kinds of literacy which were deemed important in life:

1. Media Literacy
2. Religious Literacy
3. Financial Literacy
4. Computer/Cyber/ Digital Literacy
5. Health Literacy
6. Eco Literacy
7. Legal Literacy
8. Arts Literacy
9. Social Literacy
Emergent Literacy
Emergent literacy is often related with reading. These are skills which
begin to appear from birth to childhood which signals their readiness to
learning how to read.
To better catch and further enhance these skills as it begins to blossom,
adults should be keen enough in observing these from children. Whenever
these skills become evident, adults should present more opportunities to
for the child for further enhancement. These skills when mastered, can
eventually lead to developing beginning reading skills.
Emergent Literacy
Activity 1: Reflection
Reflect on how skills formed from knowledge on traditional
literacies have shaped you as a person
Write between 50-70 words only.
Paragraph format.
Rubric for scoring is as follows:
Clarity of the message- 3
Relevance to the assigned task- 4
Format
(grammar, spacing, font, margins, presentation, etc) – 3
TOTAL: 10 points