The purpose of this qualitative inquiry is to explore critical visual literacy in a first grade classroom at a private school. This case study design focuses on students learning how to take a critical stance by focusing on the visual images, children's picture books, and visual arts masterpieces. The research question guiding this study is: How does a visual literacy approach using inferential and critical questioning support first graders' development of critical literacy? Four social issue topics were discussed which were exploring difference, bullying, poverty and global issues. The students engaged in conversations on each topic that were prompted by a specific set of questions to invite a critical stance. This study encouraged multimodality as it opened up a space to make thought visible in ways that go beyond printed words. The students were able to demonstrate their thinking and understanding by sharing their voice on the various topics through writing, art, music or acting. The inclusion of art was a valuable tool for building a deep understanding of self and others. Findings from this study support the development of social empathy in students and can be linked to morality theory and moral education. The study points to the significance of visual images and art in the development of agency in students while also initiating a change in how students approach all texts. Additionally, this study supports the use of inference as a tool for critical literacy with visual images. This approach to the curriculum encouraged students to become critically aware of the messages in their everyday worlds. The goal was for the students to develop a confident voice that can speak back to a text.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1707300 |
| Date | 08 1900 |
| Creators | Pendergrass, Lynne M. |
| Contributors | Mathis, Janelle, Krutka, Daniel G., 1981-, Randall, Angela, Subramaniam, Kathigeyan |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | vii, 115 pages illustrations (chiefly color), Text |
| Rights | Public, Pendergrass, Lynne M., Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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