Critical Literacy: Conflicts, Challenges, Adaptations and Transformation?

Abstract

<p><em>This case study explored how the involvement of two ESL instructors in critical literacy research, including master’s thesis, made them experience different challenges, ideological conflicts and successes. One of them was teaching ESL in secondary classes when she carried out her thesis about critical literacy. She also cooperated with the researcher in a critical literacy study after she had finished data collection for her thesis. The other participant taught ESL in elementary classes and is currently teaching at universities. The study, which took place in Lebanon, revealed how the varied ideological positions, views and contexts of the two instructors made them go through different transformations. The data suggests that involving teachers and masters’ students in critical literacy research constitutes and important platform to train them in the various complex dimensions of critical literacy, particularly in settings where this approach faces significant resistance. </em></p>

Investigating the Implementation of Critical Literacy Approach in the Middle-East Education Contexts: Three Main Constraints

“…If students and educators change these views and norms which is taboo, they will be deprived from going to higher education and having professions. Besides, Ibrahim (2016) expresses that It is difficult for educators who are the product of this educational system to stand outside the system, question the invisible and integral norms, and reform the constructed reality of society. Because some teachers are religious, their beliefs and ideologies contradict critical literacy's principles, so they cannot make students critical in their cognitions.…”

“…They also mention that being silent in the class is natural even when teachers ask some simple questions. Ibrahim (2016) states that the controlling system of schools which is based on traditional teaching method brainwashes learners to obey and follow authorities' rules, it means students are submissive to this system and eventually they become silent and unhappy, otherwise they will lose their security and self-esteem.…”