Making Sense of Complex Texts on Public Matters: Scaffolded Reading Instruction in Civic Education

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Curriculum, Teaching, and Citizenship Development

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of scaffolded reading instruction in democratic civic education. Focusing on a case study of a high school civic unit on the Syrian civil war and refugee crisis, it argues the importance of such reading instruction. Students noted the challenges they experienced when reading complex, print texts on the topic. Yet, scaffolded reading activities that helped students interpret and respond to the texts yielded the development of students’ civic knowledge and were praised by the students. This paper illustrates and analyzes the use of such supports.

Author

• Shira Eve Epstein, City College of New York - CUNY