Date of Award:
12-2017
Document Type:
Dissertation
Degree Name:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department:
School of Teacher Education and Leadership
Committee Chair(s)
Steven P. Camicia
Committee
Steven P. Camicia
Committee
Sylvia Read
Committee
Amy Wilson-Lopez
Committee
María Luisa Spicer-Escalante
Committee
Scott Hunsaker
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore how fifth graders develop critical consciousness regarding the self and the world through critical literacy approaches using multicultural children’s literature. I employed Lewison, Flint, and Van Sluys’ four dimensions of critical literacy. I used a qualitative case study to design, frame and conduct this study in order to collect data and examine students’ cultural patterns including values, beliefs, behaviors, and language that they enacted in the critical literacy practices. I collected data through classroom observations, semi-structured students and teacher interviews, informal conversation, researcher’s reflective journal entries and field notes, and student-made artifacts. Findings show that the students were more aware of their own sociopolitical positions in the school, home and society, as well as how their lives were shaped by the sociocultural and political forces. The students were able to link their critical understanding of their own lives to larger sociopolitical issues associated with power and privilege, and this understanding encouraged them to engage in action for social justice. They were eager to take action such as writing a petition for a gender fairness agenda to create a positive school climate. This study is important for educators who hope to encourage students to become critical thinkers, as it shows how children critically engage in reading, discussion, and action regarding social justice issues through multicultural children’s literature with critical literacy approaches.
Checksum
f6ff72ee62ae77d9a249d65e8a79f1f9
Recommended Citation
Lee, HyeKyoung, "Changing the World through the Word: Developing Critical Consciousness through Multicultural Children’s Literature with Critical Literacy in an Elementary Classroom" (2017). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 6796.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/6796
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