Diversity consciousness in the classroom: A case for opening new spaces and generating ‘new’ knowledge for critical literacy using imaginative practices

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to offer/propose a framework/model of specific imaginative practices, classroom engagement ideas, and implementation pathways that can be adapted across various grade levels within the K-12 (preferably language and literacy) classrooms to utilize the inherent diversity (of lived experiences) amongst the learners as a resources for fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the classroom while simultaneously generating ‘new’ knowledge for learning and sense-making. Essentially, the framework proposed will afford expressive outlets into the curriculum via imaginative practices that are designed to allow opportunities for critical literacy learning by bringing common experiences and issues to the fore (utilizing dialogic comprehension-as-sensemaking pedagogy) and thus perpetuating diversity consciousness. The paper also includes a mock-up (i.e. present an example for each step in the framework when possible) of the proposed model in the hope that it will provide an impetus to teacher scholars and educators interested in adapting/including the framework into their classroom.