Critical Literacy Brief
Critical literacy revolves around the idea of what it means to be informed and active citizens (Knobel, 1998). In order to make informed decisions and participate fully in literate practices we must have the tools to evaluate the meaning of texts, including our own constructions.
In the primary years, students should be exposed to a broad range of texts and consider their purposes through critical evaluation (Winch and Holliday, 2010). Extensive knowledge of genre and its critical evaluation facilitates effective reading and writing in secondary school (Linden, 1997).
Critical literacy focuses on power relationships, leading to consideration of alternative perspectives, reflection and social action (McLaughlin and DeVoogd, 2004). This authentic aspect of literacy instruction is important for students in middle-upper primary levels because it allows them to address subjects that matter.
It is essential to critically evaluate all texts, including literature on this practice. By constructing a personal definition of what constitutes critical literacy, beginning teachers will clarify how they plan to utilise this approach to expand the knowledge of their students.
In the primary years, students should be exposed to a broad range of texts and consider their purposes through critical evaluation (Winch and Holliday, 2010). Extensive knowledge of genre and its critical evaluation facilitates effective reading and writing in secondary school (Linden, 1997).
Critical literacy focuses on power relationships, leading to consideration of alternative perspectives, reflection and social action (McLaughlin and DeVoogd, 2004). This authentic aspect of literacy instruction is important for students in middle-upper primary levels because it allows them to address subjects that matter.
It is essential to critically evaluate all texts, including literature on this practice. By constructing a personal definition of what constitutes critical literacy, beginning teachers will clarify how they plan to utilise this approach to expand the knowledge of their students.