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Transformative professional learning: embedding critical literacies in the classroom

Sangster, Pauline; Stone, Kelly; Anderson, Charles

Authors

Pauline Sangster

Kelly Stone

Charles Anderson



Abstract

This article reports on part of a wider study in which a group of teachers opted for a new model of continuing professional development (CPD) that was offered by one local authority (LA) in Scotland. In collaboration with the LA, the teachers selected the topic of critical literacy and the critical pedagogies that develop from a critical literacy approach. This CPD, which involved teachers, LA representatives and university lecturers, lasted two years and comprised a combination of sessions with all participants, focused input in participants’ schools on topics of their own choosing and individual support as their critical literacy projects developed. Data were gathered from in-depth interviews with participants and the teaching programmes they produced. Analysis revealed that, despite experiencing some difficulties with declarative knowledge, participants demonstrated secure procedural knowledge in their own teaching projects which revealed clearly their understanding of the transformative nature of critical pedagogical approaches. Participants reported very high levels of satisfaction with the CPD model and its content and delivery, and found it transformative in that it shaped and centrally informed their subsequent pedagogical practices and the learning opportunities they created for their students. These findings are discussed and recommendations are made.

Citation

Sangster, P., Stone, K., & Anderson, C. (2013). Transformative professional learning: embedding critical literacies in the classroom. Professional Development in Education, 39(5), 615-637. https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2012.751617

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date 2013-11
Deposit Date May 28, 2015
Print ISSN 1941-5257
Electronic ISSN 1941-5265
Publisher Routledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 39
Issue 5
Pages 615-637
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2012.751617
Keywords critical literacies; critical pedagogies; transformative professional learning; professional development;
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/8415
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2012.751617