Using critical discourse analysis to reflect on collaborative professional learning
International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education
ISSN: 2046-6854
Article publication date: 14 February 2020
Issue publication date: 13 May 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This article presents a case study of Kelly, a third-grade teacher enrolled in a literacy leadership course within a Master of Reading program. In this course, practicing teachers completed an assignment in which they implemented a literacy coaching cycle with a colleague, video-recorded their interaction, and conducted critical discourse analysis (CDA) of the interaction. The authors explore how engaging in CDA influenced Kelly's enactment of professional identities as she prepared to be a literacy leader.
Design/methodology/approach
Data presented in this article are taken from a larger study of four white, middle-class teachers enrolled in the course. Data sources included the students' final paper and semistructured interviews. The researchers used qualitative coding methods to analyze all data sources, identify prominent themes, and select Kelly as a focal participant for further analysis.
Findings
Findings indicate that Kelly's confidence as a literacy leader grew after participating in the coaching cycle and conducting CDA. Through CDA, Kelly explored how prominent discourses of teaching and learning, particularly those relating to novice and expert status, influenced Kelly in-the-moment coaching interactions.
Originality/value
Previous literacy coaching research suggests that literacy coaches need professional learning opportunities that support a deep understanding of coaching stances and discursive moves to effectively support teachers. The current study suggests that CDA may be one promising method for engaging literacy coaches in such work because it allows coaches to gain understandings about how discourses of teaching and learning function within coaching interactions.
Keywords
Citation
Hunt, C.S. and MacPhee, D. (2020), "Using critical discourse analysis to reflect on collaborative professional learning", International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, Vol. 9 No. 2, pp. 153-167. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMCE-04-2019-0055
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited