Decoder Extraordinaire

The Four Resource Model of “Code Breaker, Meaning Maker, Text User and Text Analyst” is an effective way to encode and decode meaning to make sense of a text. I think this model is an effective way for English teachers to use for all students, not just those struggling with making meaning to a text. 

I am particularly fascinated with the “Text Analyst” step of The Four Resource Model  because it talks about the construction of a text. Many students find it hard to grasp the idea that texts are constructions of a reality. I can see how it would be complicating for a student to understand how an autobiography or memoir could be a “construction” when it is meant to emulate reality. I thought I would share the following resource, which can be used in addition to The Four Resource Model.  It is called the “4 C’s of Media” , which helps students to break down the artificality of texts. 


 This is the 4C's Model

You could decode this Bachelor clip that we watched in class (or a music video, or commercial, etc. -- Youtube is your best friend) according to the 4 C’s of Media resource:

This is also a good resource for Media Awareness:

http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/teachers/media_literacy/key_concept.cfm