Introduction
This proposed presentation will reflect on the impact of a successful and award winning critical literacy project, conceived and designed by Dr Donna Hazzard. The project has been carried out in Northern Ireland primary and post-primary schools annually, from 2017 to present. In the academic year 2021 - 2022, approximately 120 schools and over 9,000 pupils participated.
Methodology
This study adopted a qualitative research design. Research methods included questionnaires to participating teachers supported by several semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed and coded thematically.
Impact
The impact of the Young News Readers Critical Literacy project is reflected in its ongoing success. Since its conception in 2017, this Northern Irish project has been taken up annually by approximately 120 primary and post-primary schools, involving 9,000 Key Stage Two and Three children and young people.
Findings
Though data shows varying levels of knowledge and understanding of critical literacy, this innovative critical literacy project is having a positive impact on teachers’ engagement with the nebulous and complex concept that is critical literacy.
The data signals a philosophical assertation and commitment among some participants to transform pedagogy to empower children and young people by equipping them with the knowledge, behaviour and skills needed to recognise power relations in their everyday lives. Participants communicated the need for a curriculum and classroom practice that is grounded in the lives of students, critical in its approach to the world, hopeful, joyful, kind, academically engaging and rigorous. All of which are key attributes of having a critical literacy perspective.
Future goals
As a transformative pedagogy, critical literacy has potential to develop tendencies and sensibilities that will help create active, critically conscious citizens. Our goal is to develop and extend engagement with critical literacy across schools in Ireland and beyond.