1. B. DEFINITION OF
THE 21ST CENTURY
LITERACIES
Dr. Cristie Marie C. Dalisay (Faculty)
2. Literacy defined
◦ In 1958, UNESCO defined literate as one who can, with understanding,
both read and write a short simple statement on his or her daily life.
◦ However, in 1970, a functionally literate person is one who can
engage in all the activities to use reading, writing, and calculation for
the community’s development.
◦ In 2000, literacy was defined as the ability to read and write with
understanding a simple statement related to one’s daily life. It
involves a continuum of reading and writing skills and often includes
numeracy.
3. ◦However, the UNESCO international expert meeting in
2003, redefined literacy as the ability to identify,
understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute
using printed and written materials associated with
varying contexts.
◦Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling
individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their
knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their
community and wider society.
4. New literacies
1. Globalization and multi-cultural literacy. If you respect multi-
cultural diversity, aware of the global trends, acknowledge
differences and similarities, respect each other’s dignity, then you
are multi-cultural literate.
2. Socio/emotional literacy. Knowledge about social dimensions and
social skills that are appropriate in the context of society.
Emotional intelligence must also be developed to be able to
effectively manage stress due to the changing environments of the
21st century.
5. 3. Media literacy. Teachers and learners must learn how to
discern about any information which are transmitted via
various forms and media.
4. Cyberliteracy/digital literacy (information and ICT
knowledge). Being in the rapid changes in the use of
technology for teaching and learning, teachers and
learners need to develop and enhance the use of digital
gadgets whether on-line or off-line.
6. 5. Financial literacy. Basic knowledge about the basics of
economics and financial management. This is necessary for
every learner and teacher to be able to handle income,
expenses and investments to be economically secure.
6. Ecoliteracy. Acquisition of knowledge about climate change,
pollution, loss of natural habitats and biodiversity. Solutions
on how these environmental problems could be addressed
must be practiced.
7. Arts and creativity. Creativity and innovation are the 21st
century skills, thus in solving problems and creating art works
are part of this literacy.
