Multiliteracies—New London Group

Abstract

Developed by the New London Group in 1996 and based on the premise of hybridity, the concept of multiliteracies is deeply embedded in the paradigmatic changes brought about in languages by the advent and expansion of technology and virtualisation. In the same line as multiliteracies, new perspectives in language sciences converge towards complexity, multimodality and related concepts that question and redefine traditional and monolithic conceptions of the written text as the only admissible form of linguistic manifestation. In this chapter, we explore multiliteracies by drawing parallels between language studies and the teaching and learning of science, in particular physics. We investigate the extent to which physics trainee teachers display multiliteracy skills in their teaching–learning experience, focussing on their conceptual knowledge and understanding of the physics concept of free fall. Linguistic communication, action, visualisation and physics conceptual understanding form the components of the multiliteracy competencies. The trainee teachers manifested limited multiliteracy competencies as they experienced difficulties to articulate and to represent their ideas about physics concepts. We argue for an experience-driven, multimodal and multilliteracies-based conception of physics that goes beyond text-centrism. The task of the trainee teacher is not limited to only exploit, navigate and negotiate with multiliterate competencies, but also to solicit diverse linguistic repertoires in the (co)construction of knowledge through active meaning-making.