Educational Research
Leading Through Literacy
“Canadian literature isn’t just about mountains, snow and pinecones,” says Dr. Leah Fowler, University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education professor and recipient of the prestigious 2010 Distinguished Teaching Award. “The intellect found in Canadian writing is high; it’s an expression of our culture: courageous, honest, diverse and accessible.” Fowler’s research into Canadian literature pedagogy emphasizes the importance and significance of Canadian writers in the classroom. “Canadian writing shapes our society and engages the media, ” says Fowler. “Understanding what good writing looks like and knowing Canadian writers is fundamental to experiencing our Canadian voices – from stories from First Nations’ writers to stories of our newest immigrants. These narratives are essential: a humanizing and restorative education for all of us.” “As a teaching professor, my job is to help student teachers develop empathic 16
Th e L egac y |
2010
relationships in society. Canadian literature, notably the significant publications emerging from young adult fiction, provides experiences for our students that change behaviour and allow them to participate in a more ethical society,” says Fowler. Authoring a Canadian Writers in Conversation series, and Reading Canada: Pedagogy and Fiction for Young Adults (a co-authored text with Dr. Wendy Donawa) are two of Fowler’s current research books headed for publication. A Curriculum of Difficulty: Narrative Research in Education and the Practice of Teaching, published in New York (2006) illustrates a theoretical frame for narrative research and includes Fowler’s own literary teaching stories. That book contributes to pedagogical understandings regarding difficulty in teaching. But “Canadian literature is a hopeful place to work,” Fowler adds. “Students want to be part of the conversation of our country. It’s up to our teachers to light that
fire for our youth and inspire those flames to spread healthy being and good citizenship throughout our society. Canadian culture is defined by our multicultural fabric, our awareness and empathy; Canadian literature can connect our experiences to our actions, through reading and understanding.” The relationship between effective pedagogical methods and literacy is at the heart of Fowler’s continued research. “There are direct connections between literacy and poverty, literacy and wellness, literacy and lifespan, and literacy and socioeconomic status,” she says. “Teaching is an incredible responsibility and worthy profession which benefits all peoples and communities. Teachers need to cultivate wise brains and hearts; we are models to society presenting our best authentic selves in the classroom so students may engage fully and become all that they can in life.”
Writer: Amanda Berg, Photographer: Rod Leland
The relationship between effective pedagogical methods and literacy is at the heart of Dr. Leah Fowler’s continued research