SOCIAL LITERACY

The fast-paced demands of today’s world have challenged the connectivity of people to build
meaningful relationships. While the world is made closer everyday with the use of the mobile
communication and social media and our possibilities of interaction is brought into a new level,
establishing and sustaining meaningful relationship is yet never made easier. Our nature of being
gregarious does not necessarily ensure that we can develop a healthy relationship – we need to learn
it and we must learn to do it. The once referred as ‘manner’ and ‘soft skills’ should be taught, be put
into practice, be reinforced and be corrected every now and then until mastery is achieved. Students
should learn and display the pro-social skills simultaneously with their academics for these are
considered as the foundation of all complex skills.

This lesson exposes you to the various aspects of social literacy in the context of effective
communication, prosocial communication and prosocial behavior.

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. Identify the key concepts of effective communication;

2. Demonstrate nderstanding on prosocial communication and prosocial behavior; and
3. manifest knowledge of the concept of social literacy.

Lesson 2a

Effective Communication

The beauty of life is relatively define by relationships and communication is the key for any
relationship to thrive. Let this succeeding activity disclose your relationship with yourself and to the
people who matter most in your life.

ACTIVITY : Straight from The Heart

1. Write a letter to yourself on things that you want your Dear Self to know.
2. Choose two of your significant others (parent, friends, teachers, etc) and express
your thoughts about them in two separate letters.
ANALYSIS:

1. What feelings surfaced while you were writing to yourself? To your significant
others?
2. What motivated you to choose the kind of message for yourself and to the significant
persons in your life?
3. In the process of writing, were there moments that you struggle to express your
feelings? Why or why not?
4. What were your thoughts after writing the letters?
5. Do you think communicating to oneself and to your significant others matters? Why?
6. What is the key to any relationship?

ABSTRACTION:

Social literacy is an evolving concept that is theoretically gaining popularity, mostly as a

broader understanding of literacy. In the statement of the Australian Curriculum Assessment and
Reporting authority (2017), “Literacy encompasses the knowledge and skills students need to access,
understand, analyze and evaluate information, make meaning, express thoughts and emotions,
present ideas and opinions, interact with others and participate in activities at school and in their
lives beyond school.”

“Social literacy is about the ability to effectively express, interact, collaborate and build
relationships with other people (effective communication), and promote positive actions that benefit
others, prompted by empathy, moral values, and a sense of personal responsibility rather than a
desire for personal gain (prosocial behavior).” (Dayagbil, et.al 2019).

Effective Communication

Communication is essential in any relationship. “It is the transference of meaning between

individuals and the means of reaching, understanding and influencing others.” (Jayasree, n.d.).

Communication is a two-way process. In this two-way process, the sender transmit the
message to the receiver. The receiver, upon getting the message, decodes the message and sends his
or her feedback to the sender. The original sender now becomes a receiver and reacts to the
feedback. Communication is effective when the emotion and intention behind the message is
understood – making the other person feel heard and understood.

Communication may seem simple yet not everyone is able to put across his or her thoughts
and ideas effectively. One person says one thing, the persons hears something else which oftentimes
lead to misunderstanding, frustration or even problem. It is imperative that communication skills
must be taught and practiced until mastery is attained.

Three areas of communication that maybe practiced include nonverbal communication,

conversation skills and assertiveness.

Non-verbal communication describes the process of shared cues between people. These
wordless signals are eye contact, facial expression, gestures, postures, glances and more. Abao et.al
(2019) reiterated that “these non-verbal cues or behaviors, intentional or not, can reveal who we are
and impact how we relate to people.” Non-verbal communication cues can have main effects
according to Wertheim (2012):

1. Repetition – they can reinforce the message the person is making verbally.
2. Contradiction – they can contradict the message a person is trying to convey.
3. Substitution – they can take the place for a verbal message.
4. Complementing – they can complement a verbal message.
5. Accenting – they can underline a certain point in a verbal message.

It is important that you keep paying attention to the nonverbal cues and signals you send and
receive to be able to improve your ability to communicate. Prior to improving your nonverbal
communication, take note of your own weaknesses and start working on it.
 ▪ Conversational Skills
Conversation brings people together which creates bonds and relationships. The skill to
initiate a meaningful conversation and sustaining it can pose as a challenge to people who have
social anxiety. However, this conversational skills can be developed or improved with the following
tips:

Quick-Tips for the Art of Conversation

(Z. Hereford in Essential Life Skills.net)

▪ Do not dominate a conversation or make it all about you. A monologue is not conversation.
▪ Show interest and curiosity in others.
▪ Strive for a balance of give and take.
▪ Be an active listener by maintaining good eye contact and asking pertinent questions.
▪ Train yourself to relax by using visualization, meditation, or other relaxation methods. Being
relaxed is vital for good conversation.
▪ Do not interrupt and cut in with your own ideas before the other person is finished speaking.
▪ Maintain an open mind; everyone has a right to express themselves even if you don't agree with
what they are saying.
▪ Although this is cliché, try to avoid topics such as sex, religion and politics. You would be
surprised at how many people get trapped by them and end up in verbal battle, not
conversation.
▪ Be prepared by staying on top of the latest news, developments and world events.
▪ Be approachable by staying relaxed, smiling and maintaining a friendly attitude.
▪ Assertiveness

Assertiveness means expressing your point of view in a way that is clear and direct while still
respecting others” (Center for Clinical Interventions, 2016). It is a diplomatic, social
communication skill because you are willing to stand for your thoughts and feelings without
being judgmental and willing to resolve conflicts or take responsibility of one’s actions.

How do assertive, aggressive, passive communication differ?


Compliant, submissive,
talks little, vague non-
committal communication,
puts self down, praises
others
“I don’t mind… that’s fine…
yes alright”
Sarcastic, harsh, always
Actions and expressions fit right, superior, know it
with words spoken, firm all, interrupts, talks over
but polite and clear others, critical, put
messages, respectful of self downs, patronizing,
and others disrespectful
“That’s a good idea, and how
about if we did this too…”or “I “This is what we’re doing, if
can see that, but I’d really you don’t like it, tough”
like…”

APPLICATION:
Activity 2a.1

1. Illustrate in a graphic organizer or comic strip the concept of

communication as a two-way process.
2. Put corresponding labels to your graphical/ comic presentation.
Activity 2a.2

How do you describe an effective communication? Explain.

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Activity 2a.3

Given a situation, describe how you will react to it passively, assertively, and aggressively.

Situation: While you were waiting patiently for your turn in the counter of a
grocery store, someone suddenly cuts the line. How would you
react? Write your actual statements (in English or Filipino).
Passively Assertively Aggressively