What is multiliteracy and how can it be used to enhance pedagogy?

Literacy is about making sense of the world (or the part of the world you have been exposed to). Multiliteracy is a way of interpreting things (e.g., the world, conversations, concepts, etc.) by utilizing contextual information and oral, audio, visual, tactile, and spatial patterns to understand things (e.g., culture and language). Students are more likely to retain information presented to them in a variety of modes (audio, visual, relatable, etc.), therefore, using multiliterate modes of teaching can greatly enhance classroom learning. Designing coursework around peoples’ varied life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and other aspects can enhance a class’ potential for preserving new learned things. Additionally, technology, multimedia, and internet resources can broaden the scope of contexts and examples a teacher can draw from for lessons. Using technology and software with real data can be a great way to tap into the multiliterate potential of Earth science students by breaking up the monotony of traditional lecture-style classes by varying modes of instruction.

One way to connect with a class might be for a teacher to gather demographic information about their students through an anonymous poll to learn how to include examples relevant to students’ interests, hobbies, where they grew up, where they’ve traveled to, etc. In an Earth science class, like an introductory geology course, a teacher could include examples of local geology, providing pictures or video, to enhance topics. Software like Google Earth allows students to explore the geography of mountains, valleys, or lakes without having to travel outside the classroom. With Google Earth, students can load in real data sets and make measurements, for example, of fault offset after an earthquake event. To understand changes in landscape topography, students can make elevation profiles to explore, observe, and describe geologic features identified from the elevation profiles. Teachers can customize lessons in Google Earth, and students can design their own “tours” in the software to teach their peers, use in a presentation, or for later reference. Effective use of technology in the classroom can enhance lessons and better-engage students in learning.