Research
1. VanDerHeide, J., & Juzwik, M.M. (2018). Argument as conversation: Students responding through writing to significant conversations across time and place. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 62(1), 67–77. doi: 10.1002/jaal.754
Summary: The authors illustrate how secondary students become more invested in the writing process when the topic is relevant to their lives. The authors examine how students can make connections from different aspects of their lives, whether through personal experiences, something they have read previously, or their knowledge of history and society. The conversation is ongoing and students participate in the discussion or topic. The authors also connect this method with social participation.
2. Borsheim-Black, C. Macaluso, M., & Petrone, R. (2014). Critical literature pedagogy: Teaching canonical literature for critical literacy. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy. 58(2). doi: 10.1002/jaal.323
Summary: This article is a deep dive into developing reading comprehension. The strategy stems from critical social theory and assumes the premise that all texts draw attention to a certain idea (ideology), personal experience or connection, similar texts, and/or a reflection of society. The critical eye is trained to read with the text and to read against the text. The article reveals that taking a critical approach to reading for comprehension has the ability to disrupt perpetuated stories. The article includes references to literary canons, along with charts, examples, and other references.