Elementary and secondary teachers’ disciplinary literacy practice: Comparisons and contrasts

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 3:45pm
  In Poster Session: Research in Research and Literacy (SIG 11) Poster Session I

Abstract

Disciplinary literacy refers to the specialised ways of reading, writing, thinking and communicating associated with different disciplines. To date, most research on disciplinary literacy has taken place in secondary contexts and in North American settings. Progressing our scholarly, empirical and practical understanding of disciplinary literacy requires us to broaden our lens. The current study provides a comparative analysis of how elementary and secondary teachers in Ireland conceptualise and practice literacy in the disciplines. To do so, it draws on qualitative data from in-depth interviews (n=30) and self-efficacy data (n=455) from a sample of in-service teachers. Findings suggest mismatches between the vision for disciplinary literacy espoused in the literature and what teachers prioritise and practice in the classroom.

Author

• Patrick Burke, Dublin City University