How Critical is Critical Enough: Forefronting Critical Consciousness When Engaging in Critical Online Reasoning and Evaluation (CORE)

Abstract

Effectively learning to evaluate sources, especially when conducting online research, is an essential skill for middle‐grade students. This article argues that supporting students in learning to evaluate sources must involve using critical consciousness skills to do so, or the evaluation is incomplete. In the article, the authors expand the critical online reasoning and evaluation (CORE) framework to support students in learning to read in a critically conscious way. Critical consciousness is a key means for students to use in learning and solidifying critical literacy skills, and this focus is essential if we are to support students in learning to “read the word and the world.”