Note for Effective literacy Instruction for Adolescents ( Response for this article - Essay Example

Effective Literacy Instruction for Adolescents” by Donna Alvermann This article by Donna Alvermann (2001) is directed at continued teenage literacy programs in schools by demonstrating the need for such programs and the effect that they can promote in student classrooms. Typically teachers in upper levels of schools may assume that students have a greater competency in literacy than they actually possess. This factor may be more prevalent in different communities due to socio-economic challenges.

Student motivation towards literacy in comparison to digital or television sources of information must also be considered. 1. New Information:Older readers, meaning teens and adolescents, may be neglected in the public organization of literacy task programs.Adolescent readers have specific needs for development related to literacy that are unique to their educational group.Literacy must engage other mediums other than just books to be relevant.Self-image as understood through student self-evaluations can critically reflect the abilities of students in literacy.2. Surprising Information:It is not the instruction quality as in information presented in volume or from the most advanced sources that determines the student proficiency in classes, but rather student engagement in the class attentively and participating in activities that leads to core proficiencies.

The importance of tolerance in the classroom in encouraging multiple interpretations and viewpoints can be an effective way to build engagement and also highlight core module teaching themes.3. Confusing information:Empowering vs. Domesticating literacy and education - This is important as proposed by Patrick Finn (1999) but how can the teacher be involved more actively in curriculum construction, materials, and social responsibility?The importance of teaching critical approaches to media interpretation – how can the educator do this effectively without reflecting a political bias?

How best to innovate in new media in classrooms while also promoting canonical literature and traditional symbolic texts that are culturally important?Source:Alvermann, Donna E. (2001). Effective Literacy Instruction for Adolescents. Executive Summary and Paper Commissioned by the National Reading Conference, PDF.