In the early 1990s the late Peter Freebody and Allan Luke developed the four resources model of literacy to reconcile debates between proponents of whole language, phonics and critical literacy. Freebody and Luke saw the ability to identify the agents embedded in texts and their intentions as just as much a part of being literate, as the ability to decode or comprehend a text. While the decoding and comprehending elements of literacy are well supported by public policy and practice, support for critical literacy pedagogy arguably receives less attention.

Following Peter Freebody’s recent passing, this webinar will revisit critical literacy in the age of AI generated fake news, algorithm driven content bubbles and manufactured outrage. It will explore how curiosity, questioning and critical inquiry can be fostered across literacy, numeracy and ESOL contexts.

By the end of this webinar, participants will:

• Identify ways that texts position readers and influence beliefs, values and emotions.
• Understand why critical literacy is more important than ever in a digital and social media environment.
• Recognise critical literacy as a disposition rather than a discrete set of skills.
• Examine how language, images, headlines and online commentary can shape interpretations and responses.
• Develop strategies for facilitating respectful and robust discussion around challenging texts and issues.
• Reflect on how to create learning environments that support diverse viewpoints while maintaining respect and intellectual challenge.
• Explore practical classroom activities that build learners’ critical literacy capabilities.
• Adapt strategies such as analysing social media posts, examining comment threads and rewriting sensationalised headlines.
• Commit to one actionable critical literacy practice to implement with learners.
• Leave with a practical strategy that can be integrated into Foundation Skills, ESOL or adult literacy programs immediately.