Date of Award/Publication

12-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Literacy Education

Department

Education

First Supervisor

Joellen Maples

Abstract

This study asked the question: how does narrative writing reflect students’ personal experiences with race and sexuality? Students expressed their underlying opinions of both groups by writing a short story involving characters created using their personal experiences. With minimal guidance, students drafted their characters, wrote their story and responded to interview questions related to the personal experiences behind their creations. Also, students were exposed to different perspectives and tasked with creating new characters after reflection. Students with fewer interactions relied on media portrayals, which reinforced stereotypes. Exposure to different perspectives was not completely successful, as they lacked the real life interactions students need to challenge negative viewpoints. Teachers should find opportunities for students to reflect and interact with diversity.

Included in

Education Commons

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