ERIC Number: EJ1180403
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Nov
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0119-5646
EISSN: N/A
Implementing Critical Literacy for University Freshmen in Taiwan through Self-Discovery Texts
Kuo, Jun-min
Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, v22 n4 p549-557 Nov 2013
This study analyzes a critical literacy activity that had 33 non-English-major college freshmen in Taiwan consider who they are. Students were exposed to four self-discovery texts (i.e., texts that can motivate students to reflect on the various roles they play in society) as well as to follow-up assignments and classroom discussions. Grounded theory was used as the analytical method to interpret various qualitative data such as students' assignments, three open-ended questions, and students' reflection papers. Three themes emerged from this research: encountering unexpected issues and assignments, examining oneself from multiple perspectives, and becoming critically literate. This study found that self-discovery texts were effective in enhancing students' self-awareness and in facilitating critical dialogue. Practicing critical literacy sensitized students to their learning while helping them to develop their English ability. In conclusion, the activity not only stimulated students to read the word and the world but also made them conscious of their learning from a critical perspective.
Descriptors: Critical Literacy, Grounded Theory, College Freshmen, Assignments, Majors (Students), English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Foreign Countries, Qualitative Research, Metacognition, Learning Activities, Teaching Methods
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A