This article aims to suggest a model of critical literacy in English as a Foreign Language (hereafter EFL) contexts. The paper will introduce previous critical literacy models in first or second language teaching and learning and those in EFL contexts. Then, several empirical studies based on the models are introduced suggesting important issues to consider in implementing critical literacy in EFL contexts. A model of critical literacy in EFL contexts is, consequently, suggested with the three key elements for successful critical literacy implementation in EFL contexts, language for criticality development, affects and criticality development and citizenship and criticality development. The model pursues balancing conventional literacy education, critical literacy education and citizenship education. The researchers suggest balancing conventional skill-based literacy, affective pedagogy, and citizenship education with the development of critical literacies. Teacher-initiated practice and guidance, incorporation of community-sensitive topics and materials, and students’ active participation are key elements practitioners should consider in their adaptation of critical literacy instruction in EFL contexts.

This case study aimed to examine ways Korean university students in an English critical reading class participated in educational action projects. For this purpose, the reading class was designed to enhance students’ critical thinking skills and global citizenship as readers. Eighteen students in the class were taught by the teacher how to read texts in English using a critical perspective. The reading class was managed in a flexible mode with comprehension check-ups, critical dialoguing, and student-initiated action. Students were invited to connect what they discussed to action outcomes as a group project. Students in groups presented their understanding of readings and what they discussed in critical dialogues of the readings. They then reported what they did outside the classroom to foster themselves as truly active citizens in their local circumstances. Their group reports and project products were collected and analyzed into themes using qualitative methods. It was revealed that critical dialogue activities could help students come up with action-provoking questions on the readings, bring about a variety of action outcomes resulting from collaborations in groups, and help students become more active readers and citizens. Educational implications are also discussed.

The purpose of this study is to explore how Korean university students develop their readership in integrated reading classes that address both conventional and critical reading instructions. The two researchers taught university students in Busan and Seoul, alternatively, to read texts in English critically. Fifty-nine students (thirty-two from the researcher A’s class and twenty-seven from the researcher B’s class) participated in the study. The proficiency level of each class was different; one class is much higher than the other. The teachers followed the same teaching procedure of decoding and comprehension, personalizing the reading contents, and critiquing and reflecting on the reading texts and the students were guided to comprehend the texts that they read, analyze reading texts critically, and discuss alternative perspectives of the reading in class. Students’ discussion notes and observation notes of five three-hour class sessions were collected. Data analysis revealed that an integrated approach in reading class was helpful for the students not only to develop their language sensitivity and awareness in critical stance and challenge dominant social assumptions and ideology, but also to develop reading strategies and emotional engagement. Pedagogical implications were discussed.

The purpose of this study is to show how Korean English learners develop a critical lens to analyze graphic novels without much reflection. English as a second language studies have showed the effectiveness of using graphic novels. However, not much research has addressed teaching a critical approach to English reading at the elementary levels in English as a foreign language setting. This study describes how nine elementary school students were engaged in critical literacy practices when they read graphic novels. Their interactions during a 14-week literacy engagement with the researchers were transcribed and analyzed. Students were able to challenge the dominant ideology of the texts, sharing examples that did not fit with the beliefs presented and that represent missing perspectives. These were common reading practices that they engaged in as a means of confronting the dominant cultural representations. Some interactions demonstrated that students suggested alternative worldviews to interpret the texts, so that more democratic and broader considerations of multiple perspectives were represented. This critical literacy activity related to their empathetic connections to cultural minorities.

This case study explored how formal reading instruction and perceived self-efficacy in English contribute to Korean EFL learners' reading strategy development and reading pract ices. The data were collected from indi vidual interviews with four Korean college students. The fmdings revealed that English reading instruction was teacher-centered and the students spent a lot of time learning and practicing test-taking skills to achieve higher scores in English tests such as CSAT and TOEIC. On the whole, the students revealed negative attitudes such as having low confi dence as English readers and fee ling afraid while reading in English. At the same time, however, they had a strong instrumental motivation for reading in English, achieving a higher score on the high stake exams. Regarding reading strategy instruction and development, very few English teachers seemed to introduce and implement reading strategy instruction in the class. Despite this, the students struggled to develop their own reading strategies according to the type of English reading comprehension instruction that they received. Pedagogical implications and action based recommendations for English educators are suggested.