The Effects of Critical Literacy on Comprehension: Bridging Paradigms in Classroom Instruction and Educational Research

• In Event: 35.083 - Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: 35.083-1 - Reading Comprehension and Assessment

Abstract

This study examined the effects of critical literacy instruction on reading comprehension. Participants were 21 seventh graders for the treatment group and 19 seventh graders for the comparison group. Instruction for the treatment group consisted of comprehension strategy instruction, journal writing, drama pedagogy, peer and teacher-led discussions, and written tasks. Critical literacy issues were highlighted in all methods of instruction. The comparison group received vocabulary and comprehension instruction from their classroom teacher and no critical literacy instruction took place. Data include think aloud protocols, researcher-constructed comprehension tests, a writing task, student interviews, classroom samples, a research journal, and a standardized test. Results indicate comprehension gains were made, alongside gains in critical literacy practices, though further research is required.

Author

• Kathryn Scott Nelson, The Ohio State University - Columbus