The Science of Reading on TikTok: Content Creators’ Discourse Patterns and Bodies of Knowledge

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 9:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Constructing Discourses and Identities in the Digital Age (Table 2)

Abstract

The Science of Reading (SOR) has become a public discourse with educational stakeholders impacting legislative policy, reading content, curricula, and pedagogy across schools. Public engagement in this movement has transpired within social media, including TikTok, where viral content often promotes misinformation through an authoritative discourse. Using a digital ethnography and walkthrough method, we examine 157 TikTok videos on #ScienceofReading to capture common patterns discussed about SOR and the bodies of knowledge used to support the conversations. We discuss implications for how this public discourse can shape policies that will ultimately impact schools, classrooms, and literacy instruction.

Authors

• Lindsey W. Rowe, Clemson University

• Sarah E. Jerasa, Clemson University

• Heather Dunham, Clemson University

• C.C. Bates, Clemson University

• Tobi Pirolla, Clemson University

• Meghan Malloy, Clemson University