Embracing Cultural Pluralism in College-Level ESL Classrooms Using Picture Books Featuring Asian Characters

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Constructions of Literacy Across K–16 Settings

Abstract

This presentation seeks a path in assisting Asian ESL college students to engage in their new contexts culturally. Guided by the theoretical framework of the affordance of literary discourse and cultural sustaining pedagogy, this study examines how the use of picture books featuring Asian characters could foster cultural pluralism in ESL classrooms in US colleges and involve them in meaningful conversations under a safe classroom context. This presentation identifies a collection of picture books, analyzes its thematic categories, explores the affordance of these books for engaging meaningful talks, and discusses pedagogical applications. It emphasizes that employing picture books could provide Asian students a safe environment where linguistic and cultural barriers are acknowledged and prepare them to join dominant social interactions.

Author

• Jingyi Zhu, The Ohio State University