Creating Spaces for Literacy, Creating Spaces for Learning.

Creating spaces for literacy, creating spaces for learningIntroductionIf literacy is defined as the "ability to read, write, understand and interpret, and discuss multiple texts across multiple contexts," (International Reading Association, 2012) then there is no question that literacy instruction should be integrated into content area classrooms. Historically, researchers have asserted this integration can serve to improve literacy and content area learning (Anders & Levine; 1990; Bean, 2000; Moje, 2008; Shanahan, 2004). Most recently, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS, 2010) has promoted literacy as a shared responsibility across disciplines in a school. The recurring message is literacy matters, not only in an English Language Arts classroom, but across all content areas.Researchers suggest that reading and writing are often taught as individual subjects, in isolation of other content areas, which can result in literacy not being used as a tool for learning across disciplines (Macphee & Whitecotton, 2011). Pamela, (pseudonyms have been used) a sixth grade veteran social studies teacher, and the focus of this case study, worked to ensure that literacy and social studies did co-exist in the context of her classroom. Pamela worked to provide avenues for students to understand their thinking processes and make connections through reading, writing, and questioning opportunities. This study seeks to examine how a content area teacher integrates literacy practices in her social studies classroom.MethodsThis case study aims to explain the "hows" and "whys" of literacy practices in a social studies classroom. More specifically, it explores how and why a successful teacher integrated literacy strategies in her content area of social studies. To explore this topic, an explanatory case study method was used (Yin, 2009, p.18). This method of empirical inquiry allows for investigation of "a contemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real life context" (Yin, 2009, p.18). In this case, it allows for investigation of the close examination of the use of literacy strategies as they were related to and supported Pamela's unit of study in the context of her social studies classroom.School ContextThis case study, which was part of a larger study, took place in a 6th grade social studies classroom at a high poverty middle school in the southeastern part of the United States. The school was a magnet school located in the downtown area of the city, serving students in grades 6-8.Data CollectionMethods of data collection included a variety of sources (Yin, 2009) including interviews, observations and documents. The study began with an interview of Pamela where she was asked questions pertaining to the upcoming unit of study she would be teaching. At the completion of the initial interview, classroom observations were conducted everyday during a 70-minute class period for the duration of a unit of study, which lasted 4 weeks. An observation protocol (Creswell, 2007) was used that focused on instructional strategies, teacher interactions with students, and classroom organization.Observations of Pamela's instructional practices were conducted throughout the unit of study. The unit of study was titled "Cultures" and focused on increasing student awareness of cultures around the world, particularly how different cultures impacted society. At the conclusion of the unit of study and observations, the final interview was conducted. This interview revolved around Pamela's reflection of literacy instruction throughout the unit.Data AnalysisData were coded and analyzed using constant comparison analysis (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). Interviews and observations were compared to each other in order to assess themes and to determine the similarities between Pamela's interview responses and the classroom observations.Based on the interviews and observations conducted throughout the study, three major themes emerged that indicate ways in which content area teachers can integrate literacy learning. …