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  • Preparing Preservice Teachers to be Agents of Social Justice: Examining the Effectiveness of Using Literature Circles in a Reading Methods Course
Title: Preparing Preservice Teachers to be Agents of Social Justice: Examining the Effectiveness of Using Literature Circles in a Reading Methods Course
This study, rooted in the evaluation of a reading methods course, sought to determine the implicationsfor preservice teachers (PSTs) who participated in literature circles that intentionally used multicultural literature to discuss social justice issues. Using an interpretative mixed-methods approach, we collected quantitative surveys and conducted individual interviews to determine the participants’ perception of the effects that the implementation method (literature circles) and the curriculum content (multicultural texts) had on their knowledge and professional efficacy. The findings of this study suggest that the course, with an embedded literature circle component, is an essential aspect of the broader teacher development program. Encouraging social activism, promoting recreational reading, and improving PSTs’ ability to facilitate literary discussions around issues of social justice increases their confidence and personal efficacy. Further longitudinal research should be conducted to determine the direct effects this would have on their ability to create change agents in their future classrooms.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1824267
PAR ID:
10278049
Author(s) / Creator(s):
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Florida journal of educational research
Volume:
59
Issue:
1
ISSN:
0428-7355
Page Range / eLocation ID:
283-298
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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