Equal Access in Literacy is More than the Sum of Words - Episode 10

Words represent the complexity of thinking. Thinking is represented by each person's unique language usage. In this way, each word a person uses represents uniquely created meanings acquired by the learner from unique past experiences. These past unique learning opportunities result in all learners having unique concepts representing their unique acquisition of meaning. In order for a large group of learners like those in a classroom to be able to access the shared meaning found in lessons, their language must mediate their literacy. So, if language mediated literacy defined as thinking, viewing, listening/watching, speaking, reading, writing, and calculating is to be equitable, then opportunities for individual access to lessons must be provided. In this way, language function is more than the sum of words. Shared access to improved language mediated literacy results in better problem solving and more critical thinking. Using a learner's own language provides equity of educational access for all. 

Hosts: Dr. Ellyn Arwood, Dr. Bonnie Robb

Music: Pete Sansone

Art: Rey Sangines-Alvarado

Producer: Isaiah Steinberg