Theorizing Teachers' Use of Powerful Literacies for English Learners in the 21st Century

• In Event: 49.088 - Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: 49.088-28 - Multilingual Learners in the Classroom

Abstract

This paper theorizes teachers’ use of multiliteracies and multimodalities in Common Core subject areas: English language arts, sciences, mathematics, and also include social studies in grades 6 through 8 in a highly impacted school district in western Massachusetts. We argue that through the use of multimodal literacies as mediating tools, teachers can find innovative ways of fully engaging English learners (ELs) in 21st century learning activities, by helping them make sense of their learning through immediate contexts and local perspectives which contribute to leading their further cognitive and social development.

Authors

• Theresa Y. Austin, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Maria Jose Botelho, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Marie Polizzi, University of Massachusetts - Amherst