Literacy Strategies

Literacy Strategies

    As an adult English language learner, Luis needs to be able to critically take in a piece of text. At his current language level, he puts forth a lot of his effort into direct translation from one language to another, or merely reading words on a page without comprehending what the text means. Luis’ political interests can help him develop critical literacy as he can ask how society and politics may cause undertones in different types of text.

    In order to develop this critical perspective on reading material, Luis can self-analyze what he has just read. He can consider what the author’s purpose was, which words in the text convey this purpose, or how the text could be improved. Although Luis is a college student, his professors can still provide ESOL support to him. Professors may ask students to evaluate their own experiences in order to add to the class discussion on a current event or social issue. Another activity that would be helpful for Luis would be if a professor would allow students to submit possible exam questions. Doing so would require Luis to look critically at the text and pull out the most relevant information. I would sugguest activities for Luis that would help him to organize his thoughts, comprehension and proper grammer. Activities that would be helpful include: Author's circle, editing groups, dialogue journals, lifemurals, mapping, portfolios, and response groups.



As Secretary of the Mexican American Student Association (MASA), Luis interacts with many of his fellow students. In order to engage Luis in improving his literacy, we recommend that he take a more vocal role in the student organization. Luis can be allotted time in each MASA meeting in order to speak to the members. His preparation for the speech can involve collecting information from his peers and synthesizing it into a speech. Working with a writing center tutor can help him convey important messages to MASA members, simultaneously helping Luis improve both his writing and speaking skills.

Additionally, Luis, a Computer Enginering major, can work on his reading and writing skills by constructing a website or blog for his chapter of MASA. He will be able to work on improving the organization of his writing by dividing information into different pages of the website (Upcoming Events, About Leadership, History of MASA, etc). Because Luis has a passion for both technology and MASA, this would be a helpful way to engage him in improving his reading and writing.

Plan of Action
    Luis seems to be doing well in his college courses. The previously discussed literacy strategies will help Luis progress as an English language learner and make his academic career richer. Luis should also practice his writing skills, an important trait for all college students to have. Practicing his use of the English language in a multitude of ways will enhance his ability to use it properly in his writing. The university Luis attends offers a free Writing Center where students can get help properly writing reports. Luis can schedule a time, perhaps every two weeks, where he can meet with a writing tutor who can look over his work and help him clarify parts that may seem unclear.
    Luis’ participation as Secretary of the Mexican American Student Association will continue to help him as an English language learner. Surrounding himself not only with students of similar backgrounds, but students who have faced the same obstacles, will provide wonderful support for Luis as an English language learner.