Call for Papers
Engaged Minds: Exploring the Intersection of Critical Literacy and Social Change
Research Symposium, ARLE SIG Literacies: Reading, Writing & Oracies
22-24 October 2025, University of Malta, Valletta Campus, Malta
The special interest group on ‘Literacies: Reading, Writing & Oracies’ of the International Association for Research in L1 Education (ARLE) is pleased to announce a research symposium with the theme Engaged Minds: Exploring the Intersection of Critical Literacy and Social Change.
The symposium is being held in collaboration with the Department of Arts, Open Communities and Adult Education, Faculty of Education, University of Malta.
Aims of the symposium
- To explore the role of critical literacy in understanding and challenging social inequalities — This seminar aims to emphasise how critical literacy can be used to analyse and question societal structures, power dynamics, and ideologies that perpetuate inequality.
- To foster a deeper understanding of how critical literacy practices can drive social change — Attendees will engage with both theory and practice to see how literacy can serve as a tool for activism, advocacy, and social transformation.
- To create an interdisciplinary dialogue on critical literacy’s impact on social justice movements — By bringing together educators, activists, scholars, and community leaders, the seminar seeks to bridge the gap between academic discourse and grassroots social change efforts.
- To inspire educators and practitioners to integrate critical literacy into their work — The seminar will focus on strategies for incorporating critical literacy into curricula, teaching practices, and community initiatives to empower learners of all ages.
Objectives:
- Examine the relationship between literacy, power, and social justice
Participants will analyse how literacy—both in traditional and digital forms—shapes individual and collective power, with an emphasis on how it can either perpetuate or challenge systems of oppression.
- Analyse case studies of successful critical literacy initiatives
Through examples of local and global movements, attendees will examine how critical literacy has been effectively used to address issues like racial inequality, gender injustice, environmental degradation, and more.
- Explore the role of critical literacy in media consumption and production
A key objective will be to examine how critical literacy can be applied to analyse news media, social media, and other digital platforms, considering how these mediums can either reinforce or disrupt dominant narratives.
- Provide practical tools for integrating critical literacy into teaching and community work
Attendees will be introduced to actionable strategies for fostering critical thinking in classrooms, libraries, and community spaces, using texts and media that challenge dominant ideologies and promote social justice.
- Foster collaboration between educators, activists, and researchers
The seminar will encourage networking and collaboration, leading to new partnerships and initiatives that leverage critical literacy to address local and global social issues.
- Promote reflection on personal and collective responsibilities in creating social change
Through discussions and reflective activities, participants will examine how they, as individuals and as part of broader communities, can use critical literacy to contribute to social justice and positive societal transformation.
- Encourage development of critical digital literacies
Given the prevalence of digital media in shaping public discourse, a core objective will be to explore how individuals can critically engage with digital content and create alternative, empowering narratives in online spaces.
This framework highlights a comprehensive, action-oriented approach, emphasising both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications of critical literacy for social change.
Format
Throughout the symposium, research will be presented and discussed, either as finalised or as work-in-progress. There will be a separate session for poster presentations.
The symposium will also include network sessions and social events to facilitate informal discussions and future collaborations.
Sessions
The three-day symposium includes paper and poster presentations.
- Paper presentations
Presentation and discussion of individual papers based on ongoing or complete research. The paper-presentation sessions will be organised thematically.
Paper session proposals should include:
- an abstract, max. 500 words excl. references
- contact details (name, affiliation, contact information)
- Poster presentations
Short presentations with visual support (10 minutes) followed by a discussion with the audience.
Poster proposals should include:
- an abstract, max. 300 words excl. references
- contact details (name, affiliation, contact information)
Publication
As a follow-up to the research symposium, we aim to produce an edited book titled Engaged Minds: Exploring the Intersection of Critical Literacy and Social Change.
Review Process
All proposals will be peer-reviewed by a committee of SIG Literacies members. A decision will be announced by 30 May 2025.
Venue
The symposium will be held at the University of Malta, Valletta Campus.
Important Dates
- Proposal deadline: 30 April, 2025
- Announcement of review decisions: (by) 1 June, 2025
- Final registration date: 30 September, 2025.
- Research symposium: 22 - 24 October, 2025.
Submission of Proposals
Submit your proposal to Professor Carmel Borg, convenor, at carmel.borg@um.edu.mt. Kindly title the email 'Critical Literacy Research Symposium - Paper Proposal' or 'Critical Literacy Research Symposium - Poster Proposal
