Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

27-30 September 1999

Multiliteracies and Apprenticeship Learning in the Literature Classroom in a Johannesburg High School

Lyn Meyer

Head of English, Mondeor High School, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

This paper presents the results of research into the application of certain aspects of the International Multiliteracies Project in a Johannesburg multicultural and multilingual high school. The research was designed to explore the notion of apprenticeship learning in a language and English language proficiency. Learners were divided into groups with mixed proficiencies and given a literature project in which they were required to use multimodal forms of communication including speaking and listening, reading, writing, visual design and computer literacy in the construction of a newspaper text. One of the most significant findings of this research was the complex ways in which students who had access to linguistic and cultural resources mediated their knowledge for students who had limited knowledge and position that cultural and linguistic diversity is a classroom resource and that an understanding of the how learners learn within social networks is essential in the context of South Africa and other education systems characterised by diversity.

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Presentations by the South African Multiliteracies Group:

Each member of the group will present his or her own paper on how she or he is implementing Multiliteracies in a specific site.