Igniting Social Action in the ELA Classroom: Inquiry as Disruption

This book provides teachers with step-by-step guidance for developing a class culture that welcomes curiosity and ignites social action. It uses literature to introduce characters and worlds outside of students' lived experiences, allowing them to develop questions that build empathy for others and position them as change agents in their communities and the larger world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2022
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

This practical book is a valuable resource for teachers seeking to create a classroom culture that fosters curiosity and inspires social action. While student-driven inquiry has a profound impact on learning, the questions posed by students often fail to broaden their understanding of the world beyond their immediate experiences. The authors of this book demonstrate how teachers can use literature to introduce characters and worlds that exist outside of their students' lived experiences, enabling them to develop empathy for others and become change agents in their communities and beyond.

The book translates ideas from critical literacy, student motivation, and culturally responsive pedagogy into practical approaches for the English language arts and social studies classroom (6–12). Each chapter poses thought-provoking questions designed to encourage teachers to use mind-opening texts with students to address social problems.

Key Features of the Book:

Shows teachers how to use literature to help students navigate a rapidly changing world.
Equips students with the skills to advocate for themselves and others, including utilizing digital tools in meaningful and effective ways.
Asks students to confront controversial viewpoints head-on and interrogate the world around them.
Includes examples of discussions that lead to projects and opportunities for youth to engage in community work.
Demonstrates how to translate theory into practice, providing teachers with the rationale for using inquiry as disruption if questioned by stakeholders.
Offers a comprehensive scope and sequence that outlines an entire year devoted to inquiry, as well as how to break it down into individual units and lessons.

By incorporating these strategies into their teaching, teachers can create a classroom environment that encourages students to think critically, develop empathy, and take action to make a positive impact on the world. This book is a must-read for educators who are committed to promoting lifelong learning and social responsibility in their students.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807767559