Children’s Literature: Students as Readers, Global Citizens

Jo-Ann Netto Shek

Abstract


Student identity is an important aspect of development for both the learner and for learning. Oftentimes, identity development is sacrificed for content goals in university courses. However, the inventory of 21st century competencies reminds us that more needs to be done to help students embrace their future roles as readers and global citizens. In this paper, I present findings from a study of reader and global identities in university students. Quantitative and qualitative data reveal that student identities are developed through engagement in literacy activities like collaborative online discussions, social media and digital book talks. Findings from the study suggest that identity development is possible when introduced explicitly in tasks through course content. The findings suggest that by strengthening student identities in courses, we may be inching towards helping students rescript their identities as readers and global citizens.

Keywords


children’s literature, reader and global identities, university learners

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References


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