Transforming Teaching through Critical Literacies

Abstract

In this chapter, I share my journey and implementation of a critical literacy framework through dramatic play into my classroom and how it has transformed my teaching. Critical literacy is a field that addresses imbalances of power and, in particular, pays attention to the voices of those who are less frequently heard. When critical literacy is implemented as a curriculum in the classroom, students are made aware of injustices and provided a platform to learn about them in their community and their world. In this space, students can interrogate injustices, develop their voice, feel empowered, and participate in a humanitarian approach of learning in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. As student's start to feel empowered and develop a critical stance, the final and most rewarding step in a critical literacy framework is providing necessary steps to improve conditions and be compassionate to differences and injustices.

Citation

Goar, R. (2021), "Transforming Teaching through Critical Literacies", Rice, M.F. and Dallacqua, A.K. (Ed.) Luminous Literacies (Advances in Research on Teaching, Vol. 36), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 97-108. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-368720210000036009