According to the National Forum of International Literacy, "information literacy is defined as the ability to know when there is a
need for information, to be able to identify, locate, evaluate, and
effectively use that information for the issue or problem at hand". In addition to defining the term, this organization promotes the need for literacy as the key competency needed to enhance K-16 academic performance,
engage patient personal responsibility, improve workplace performance
and productivity, and compete effectively in a dynamically evolving
world marketplace.
As a district, Atlanta Public Schools, in its efforts to introduce the common core standards are asking each teacher, including CTAE teachers to make literacy and reading a focus of our daily planning and instruction. I think this is an important step in providing a broader message, not just in core classes, but in elective and pathway classes as well.
As a health care provider, literacy is just as integral as performing hands on patient care, and as a result, I began integrating literacy into my lesson planning and instruction prior to incorporating the actual ELA standards. In particular, this week both my second and third year classes are working on units entailing Communication in which they are being taught verbal vs. non verbal ways of communication. I have utilized several case studies in which studies have had to read and actually formulate a response to the level of care that the patient received. Students were asked to provided feedback in the form of a letter to a patient, and in other cases asked to analyze the level of communication or lack thereof between the patient and the provider. I even had my second year students to see if they could recognize spelling and grammar errors in one study. I must say that I was surprised at the lower levels of thinking and analysis of some of the students, but it gives me a starting point, and reinforces the need to include literacy into my dally lessons.
Akisa-
ReplyDeleteWhile I am aware that the Common Core is now creating a big push for literacy in the classroom, I did not consider the role of digital literacy in this equation. In today's digital age, this digital literacy can be considered just as important. Students may not always have access to a text book, but many of them have a phone in their pocket that can access the internet in flash. Teaching students how to use this appropriately is so important. Being able to decipher if something is true, or credible is critical. I think about how easy it is for a rumor to spread on Facebook about someones death. Of course this is a trivial example, but something that could be avoided with a bit of cross checking. I commend you on your teaching of literacy and digital literacy in your Healthcare classroom.