Teaching Diversity, Identity and Love Through Stories: Using graphic novels about identity and diversity in the EFL Classroom

Abstract

Diversity and inclusion are important topics for education. Students in Norwegian schools should be taught to appreciate difference and be engaged in a classroom that promotes diversity and inclusivity. This can be achieved by encouraging students to view topics from others’ perspectives and engage in critical thinking. The students can encounter these perspectives through taking in the experiences of others. These experiences will allow them to gain greater awareness and understanding of complex social issues.

This study argues that the graphic novels Heartstopper Volume 1 (2019), Heartstopper Volume 2 (2019), and New Kid (2019) can be read to gain awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusivity. A textual analysis of the graphic novels highlights themes that can be used to engage students in these topics. Queer theory, critical race theory, and intersectional theory is used to inform and discuss the analysis. The discussion highlights classroom activities that facilitate for reflection, such as discussions and reflective writings as methods for implementing the graphic novels in the classroom. The study concludes that these graphic novels are rich in themes and subject matter that can be used in the EFL classroom for effectively teaching and engaging students in the topics of diversity and inclusion.