CSSE 2023 Knowledge Mobilization Team – Ting Du

The theme of Congress 2023 is Reckonings and Re-imaginings which precisely captures the trend of reflection and reasoning prospect in the academia as the unprecedented global pandemic eventually came to an end. This year’s convention is the first in-person gathering in the last 3 years, which is rather exuberant and rife with dynamic. In the wake of Covid-19, stakeholders in every respect including teachers, students, scholars, policymakers, and administrators commence to reflect on their experiences during the uncertain era, attempting to scrutinize education from a renewed perspective and reimagine a better future. The following is some of the most noticeable topics discussed in this year’s CSSE conference.

Critical literacies research has reached to a stage where scholars start to explore the evolution of ideas and play with such ideas about experiences. By shedding light on the intricacies, narrative can enquiry the sensitivity to achieve resonance with the audience. It matters to question our existential present by referring to memory work, language learning, and other kinds of experiences. Researchers also opened a new conversation about autobiographical writing in the academia. Maybe it’s time to be eyes wide open not only focusing on our own experiences in real lives which are seriously limited by identities in any possible aspect. Rather, we are supposed to pay more attention to the evolution of our mind, thinking, and ideas. The focus should be pivoted from autobiographical experiences to those blind spots of mind of state where structural and institutional loopholes can be reflected and reflected upon. Also, some scholar discussed about reciprocal literacies and listening in literacy education. Some adopted innovative narrative model – ABC’s model as their methodology (autobiography, biography, cross-cultural comparison). All of these academic conversations imply that literacy education has been continually broadened and renovated with increasing new focuses.

EDID conversation has been reiterated and readdressed as a salient component of this year’s Congress. When it comes to EDID issue, it should bring to people’s full awareness that it touches upon topics on equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonialization including but not limited to gender, class, race, sexuality, ethnicity, and ability. The foremost procedure is to name the problem. We may run great risk of naming the problem because normally it comes with gaslighting and microaggression. Undoubtedly, it takes great resolution and strength to be able to name the problem in public. Secondly, we should care more about genuine representation which will influence how the minorities and marginalized are represented in the society and how their interests and rights are advocated and promoted. Without genuine representation, all the fights would become a sheer political show. Lastly, it is urgent for the oppressed to realize all kinds of symbolic violence rampant in our society. Then, for those who are aware of such reproduction of domination and oppression, they should take actions to make a difference, maybe sometimes by building up allyship.

Ting Du

PhD Student

University of Calgary