In a fiction text, various layers (strata) of meaning are inherent to the narrative. These layers encompass five distinctive dimensions: the surface plot, encapsulating primary events and actions; the thematic layer, where broader concepts and messages are examined; the symbolic level, where elements like characters, setting or objects can represent abstract concepts; the epistemic layer, unveiling knowledge through concepts and literary insight; and finally, the transformative layer, catalysing personal growth and profound change. These layers synergise to create a multifaceted reading experience, offering a spectrum of interpretations and viewpoints that enable readers to explore the narrative’s intricacies and unveil concealed revelations. How to explain this to students?
When readers engage with a text through the lens of critical introspection, they embark on a journey of active interaction that extends beyond the mere absorption of words on a page. As they delve into the narrative’s layers, readers begin to create meaningful connections between their own experiences, emotions, and thoughts, and the intricate tapestry of meaning woven by the author in the form of a text. Through the process of critical introspection, readers construct intricate conceptual models within their minds, linking the characters’ dilemmas and journeys to their own life circumstances. These models become bridges that span the gap between fiction and reality, enabling readers to explore universal themes and relatable emotions. This intimate interplay between text and reader serves as a catalyst for introspection, prompting profound self-examination which actively enriches an understanding of the human experience. As readers navigate the labyrinth of a narrative’s layers, their introspective insights breathe life into the words, transforming them into a living repository of wisdom and reflection which is why sharing this newle found conceptual knowledge is a valuable process to teach.
The process of critical introspection mirrors the intricate layers within a story, unveiling deeper dimensions of self-awareness and understanding. Just as a story possesses multiple layers, critical introspection involves the exploration of five interconnected layers. The surface layer corresponds to our conscious thoughts and immediate emotions, akin to the plot of a narrative. Delving further, the thematic layer aligns with the underlying concepts and patterns in our mental landscape, echoing the themes that give a story its depth. Just as characters and objects in a story bear symbolic significance, the symbolic layer in introspection unveils the metaphors and associations that shape our perceptions. The epistemic layer corresponds to our acquired knowledge and awareness, akin to the literary insights gained through reading. Lastly, the transformative layer parallels the evolution of characters or the narrative’s progression, as introspection facilitates personal growth and metamorphosis. Navigating through these layers of critical introspection, akin to unraveling the intricate layers of a story, illuminates the richness of our inner world and empowers us to engage with life’s narrative in a more meaningful and insightful way.
Critical introspection refers to a rigorous and analytical process of examining and evaluating one’s own thoughts, emotions, and mental experiences with a discerning and questioning mindset. Paul & Elder (2017) called this the interrelatedness of Creativity and Criticality and Spierings (2023) labeled this as ‘collective sense-making’. It involves a deliberate and systematic exploration of one’s inner thoughts, motivations, beliefs, and reactions, aiming to gain deeper insights into the underlying factors that shape one’s perceptions and behaviors. Critical introspection goes beyond surface-level reflection, encouraging individuals to challenge assumptions, question biases, and explore the influences of context, culture, and personal experiences on their inner world. This introspective approach seeks to uncover hidden patterns, contradictions, and complexities within the self, fostering a higher level of self-awareness, cognitive insight, and personal growth in context.
Awareness of the relativity of experiences and perspectives is of paramount importance in the practice of critical introspection. Recognising that thoughts, feelings, and mental states can be influenced by a multitude of factors, including cultural background, social context, and individual differences, allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive exploration of one’s inner world. It is therefore relevant to share one’s interpretations and, in dialogue, check one’s own understanding against other interpretations while keeping an open mind. This awareness prevents the assumption of a universal standard for thoughts and emotions, acknowledging that what may be true for one person might not hold the same validity for another. Embracing the relativity of experiences encourages a humble and open-minded approach to introspection, fostering empathy, understanding, and the recognition that diverse viewpoints contribute to a broader and richer understanding of oneself and the world. By grounding critical introspection in the context of relativity, individuals can navigate their inner landscape with greater sensitivity and insight, leading to more meaningful self-discovery and personal development.
Reflective thinking refers to the process of critically examining and analysing information by others, and comparing this information to one’s own thoughts, experiences, actions, and beliefs in order to gain deeper insights and understanding. It entails examining the reasons behind (textual) decisions, evaluating their meaning and consequences and outcomes to inform future actions by critical sense-making. Reflective thinking encourages self-awareness, introspection, and personal growth by encouraging individuals to question assumptions, recognise patterns, and make meaningful connections between different elements to enhance one’s knowledge and perspective. Reflective thinking empowers individuals to learn from their past experiences and apply their newfound knowledge of concepts creatively in real-life contexts.
Spierings (2023) created a Format Reflective Fiction Journal for teachers to be able to teach layered thinking. Also, the following activity might be useful when teaching “layeredness”. Layeredness refers to the hierarchical or stratified arrangement of elements or attributes within a complex system, where distinct levels or tiers of components interact and contribute to the overall structure and functioning of the system. This concept acknowledges the dynamic and open-ended nature of interactions between layers, allowing for the emergence of new connections, properties, or interpretations over time and space. Layeredness implies an organised and interdependent relationship between these levels, with the potential for ongoing expansion, adaptation, and the generation of novel insights, reflecting the inherent open-endedness of complex systems. The concept of layeredness finds application in various scientific domains, facilitating exploration and understanding of intricate interactions, patterns, and emergent phenomena within complex systems and as such Spierings (2023) applied layeredness to teaching collective sense-making. A student, as part of a learning community, can share their individual mental model with that of other students and thus contribute to open-ended, collective sense-making.
A teacher might use the reflective journal, activities, the lesson plan and the learning frames, perhaps simplify procedures and instructions acknowledging copyright properly. Not only can the reflective journal and lesson plan model be used for fictional texts, but one can also see its use for non-fiction.
Creating a Multilayered Understanding of Fictional Texts
Objective: This activity aims to guide you in creating a visual representation (mind map) that explores and illustrates the five layers of meaning within a fictional text. By incorporating these layers, including a conceptual shift and an additional dimension of transformation in time and space, you will not only interpret the text but also engage in discussions, self-transformation, and creative expression.
Materials Needed:
Paper or digital drawing tool
Colored markers, pencils, or digital colors (optional)
Fictional text of your choice (book, short story, or novel)
Instructions:
Select a Fictional Text: Choose a fictional text that you have read or are currently reading. This could be a book, short story, or novel.
Identify the Five Layers:
a. Surface Layer: This encompasses the basic plot elements, including characters, setting, and events.
b. Symbolic Layer: Delve deeper into symbolism, metaphors, themes, and motifs present in the text.
c. Interpretive Layer: Analyse and interpret the text based on your personal insights and connections.
d. Epistemic Layer: Showcase your acquired literary knowledge, highlighting terms, techniques, and concepts learned.
e. Transformation Layer: Illustrate how the narrative evolves within the work and across different time periods and settings, including a conceptual shift.
Construct Your Mind Map:
a. Begin with a central bubble or circle, labeling it with the title of the fictional text and the author’s name.
b. Extend five branches outward to depict the Surface, Symbolic, Interpretive, Epistemic, and Transformation Layers.
c. From each layer branch, create smaller bubbles to represent key elements. For example:
Surface Layer: Characters, Setting, Events
Symbolic Layer: Themes, Symbols, Motifs
Interpretive Layer: Personal Insights, Connections, Reflections
Epistemic Layer: Literary Terms, Techniques, Concepts
Transformation Layer: Temporal Changes, Spatial Shifts, Conceptual Shift
Expand and Illustrate:
a. Use colors and visuals to enhance your mind map, making it visually appealing and engaging.
b. Provide concise explanations or definitions next to each element bubble to clarify its significance within the respective layer.
Reflect and Collaborate:
a. Review your mind map and contemplate how each layer contributes to your understanding.
b. Engage in discussions with peers, sharing your mind map and exchanging insights about the text’s multilayered dimensions.
Express and Innovate:
a. Extend your mind map’s creativity by considering how the text’s layers could inspire your own narrative creation.
b. Develop a short story, poem, or artistic representation that demonstrates your transformed understanding and creativity.
Present and Display:
a. Share your mind map and creative work with your classmates or teacher, explaining your thought process and insights.
b. Display your mind map and creative piece in your study space as a reminder of your enriched understanding and imaginative exploration.
By incorporating the fifth layer of conceptual shift and transformation, your mind map becomes a powerful tool for exploring the depths of a fictional text. This activity encourages a comprehensive exploration of the text’s layers, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creative expression.