The resources on this page, inspired by a critical language awareness (CLA) framework, teach students to examine language as a social practice and to reflect on the ideologies and power dynamics embedded within language use.
Thank you to the Writing Program’s Curriculum Committee, who worked intensively on these resources in 2022-2024.
A Video Introduction to CLA for Faculty
After watching this video, you may want to reflect on the following questions before moving on to the next video in this series:
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What does language diversity mean to you?
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How do you think language shapes identity?
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How have you seen language diversity manifest in your classroom?
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How have you seen language shape the identity of your students?
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Can you think of an instance when language created power dynamics in your classroom?
CLA Pedagogy and the Writing Classroom
After watching this video, you may want to reflect on the following questions before moving on to the next video in this series:
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How can you incorporate students’ diverse language backgrounds into your own writing assignments and topics?
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In what ways can you use language to foster social justice discussions within your topic and classroom?
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Can you think of an activity that engages students’ minds, hearts, and bodies in learning about language, but geared towards the topic of your course?
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How might you help students link their awareness of language to concrete actions?
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Can you think of any particular lessons, assignments or a re-design of a current assignment you have?
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What strategies can you use to address tensions around linguistic norms in your assignments?
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How do you currently build on best practices for writing instruction, and how can CLA enhance this?
CLA-Informed Assignment Redesign
After watching this video, you may want to revise an assignment of your own. Use the checklist below to identify aspects that align or conflict with CLA principles. Remember, integrating CLA into your teaching is an ongoing process. We highly recommend you begin smaller by choosing one of the criteria we have mentioned or one aspect or activity in your course. Starting small allows you to observe the impact of these interventions and make necessary adjustments based on student feedback and outcomes. After you have revised your assignment, reflect on how you will implement your redesigned assignment and frame it to students.
CLA Principle |
Assignment Considerations |
| Includes students from all language backgrounds | Does the assignment provide opportunities for students to draw on their linguistic diversity and experiences?
Are there clear guidelines for accommodating different language backgrounds and dialects (e.g. avoiding overly complex language, etc.)? |
| Uses language as a bridge into social justice learning | Does the assignment encourage students to explore language-related social justice issues?
Are students prompted to consider how language can be used to advocate for change or address inequities? |
| Engages minds, hearts, and bodies | Does the assignment prompt students to engage emotionally and intellectually with language use?
Does the assignment prompt students to consider their own positionality in relation to their topic (or claim, or research) and acknowledge their background and/or biases where appropriate? Are there opportunities for students to use language creatively and expressively? |
| Links awareness to action | Does the assignment prompt students to take action based on their language awareness?
Are there opportunities for students to apply their understanding of language dynamics to real-world contexts? |
| Works with tensions around linguistic norms and standards | Does the assignment make room to challenge traditional linguistic norms and standards?
Are students encouraged to critically examine the impact of linguistic norms on communication and identity? |
| Builds on best practices for writing/literacy instruction | Does the assignment align with best practices for writing instruction?
Are there clear criteria for evaluating writing that respect linguistic diversity and inclusivity? |