Looking at the Next 20 Years of Multiliteracies: A Discussion with Allan Luke

Abstract

In this discussion with literacies researcher Allan Luke, the New London Group Member reflects on the role of multiliteracies in shaping literacies research and the continuing changes to technology, capitalism, and learning. Focused on looking toward future advances in literacies research, Luke reflects on the role of multiliteracies in contemporary educational policy and how this work is shaping literacy scholarship and practice today. Luke looks pragmatically at the current political landscape and emphasizes how colonial practices of technology over the past twenty years bend literacies research away from the initial optimism expressed by the New London Group. At the same time, Luke grounds contemporary literacies interpretations of technology and learning in foundational critical theorist like Freire, Illich, and Dewey. By focusing on how technology has changed schooling, power, and literacies, Luke considers what challenges loom for the theory and practice of powerful, equitable literacies in the next two decades.

Additional Resources

1. Illich, I. (1971). Deschooling society. Richmond, UK: Calder & Boyars.

   In this small treatise, Illich connects issues of structural power to the challenges of teaching and learning. At once accessible and brief, Illich’s text can guide critical classroom and professional development discussions.

2. Luke, A. (2018). Critical literacy, schooling, and social justice: The collected works of Allan Luke. New York, NY: Routledge.

   This collection features many of the key intellectual contributions that Luke has developed across his career. Including key ideas referenced in this dialogue, Luke’s work continues to push researchers and educators today.

   These curricular materials, which are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, include free instructional units designed to show middle school students that “engineering is everywhere.” Through these units, students have opportunities to critique existing designs and create socially responsible and sustainable alternative designs.

3. Luke, A. (2016). LRA 2016 distinguished scholar life-time achievement session. Literacy Research Association.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swWWWlZOqPg&

   In this recorded discussion at the 2016 Literacy Research Association, Allan Luke reflects on how educational research has shifted as well as reinforced issues of power. Emphasizing the needs of classroom teachers today, Luke’s presentation is clear, concise, and offers clear practitioner takeaways