An Investigation into Teachers' Attitudes to Using Literature in the Language Classroom (original) (raw)

PRE-SERVICE EFL TEACHERS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE USE OF LITERATURE IN PRACTICE TEACHING

This study aims to investigate the attitudes of teacher candidates at an English Language Teaching (ELT) program in Turkey about the use of literature during practicum. Through a 13-item questionnaire, we gathered the beliefs and attitudes of 137 senior student teachers enrolled at this ELT program. Categorized and thus analysed under four main sections, the questionnaire consisted of a mix of open-ended and close-ended questions. The findings suggest pre-service teachers’ positive attitude towards using literature by including the literary texts into their classes; however, they admit that they cannot because they are in doubt about either self-efficacy on teaching and/or their students’ linguistic capability in the target language for processing literary texts. In addition, they highlight the fact that there are some limitations imposed upon by the practicum schools or by the framework of the practicum program of the university. In conclusion, the study has some important implications for teacher training institutions in terms of the use of literature in ELT. Keywords Literature, English Language Teaching, practicum, attitude, pre-service teachers.

The Use of Literature and Literary Texts in the EFL Classroom; Between Consensus and Controversy

This article provides a review of ideas and research regarding the role of literature in the EFL university classroom. After a brief historical overview of the question of using literature in the language classroom, the article discusses the reasons for the demise and resurrection of literature as an input for language classes. Right after that, the article deals with advantages and drawbacks of using literary texts as language tools by means of drawing on recent ideas on language teaching practice and theories. Finally, in a practical move, this paper depicts the past and current approaches to teaching literature in language teaching classes. Keywords: Literature; Curriculum; EFL; Higher Education

Down from the Pedestal: Revisiting the Exploit of Literature in EFL Language Classes

International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature , 2015

According to Arthur (2006, p. 200), “Through the use of literature, a language learning experience might become at the same time a source of immediate pleasure and satisfaction for the student.This possibility makes literature an appealing teaching device for ESL teachers”. However, numerous factors may contribute to the teachers’ lack of interest in using literary texts as a teaching tool. This study was an attempt to investigate Iranian EFL teachers’ attitude toward using literature in language classes and their perception toward the probable reasons of some teachers’ lack of interest in doing so. Altogether forty-four language teachers (19 females and 25 males, with a mean age of 26) participated in this study. The data was collected through a validated and piloted questionnaire prepared by the researchers themselves (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.8). The results of the study indicated that more than anything else, the participants thought that the main factor which hampers theeffective use of literature in language classes is related to the outcome perception on the side of the students. The EFL teachers in this study thought that we as language teachers need to raise the language learners’ awareness toward the benefits and advantages of literature in language classes. The findings of study may hold precious implications for language teachers. Moreover, EFL teachers may benefit from some guidelines and suggestions by the authors presented at the end of the paper.

Revitalising the Role of Literature in the Contemporary EFL Secondary Classroom: A Small-scale Study

Didáctica. Lengua y Literatura

It can be asserted that nowadays a vast proportion of the world’s population needs to develop communicative competence in English to participate in transnational societies. Although there is still some reticence to use literature in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context, our main claim is that literary resources may be a powerful tool for the development of intercultural communicative competence in English. In particular, the main purpose of this article is to examine the extent to which literary resources are used in EFL teaching and analyse which literary genres are more attractive and appropriate for teenagers. In this study we have observed the extent to which literature is currently used in the teaching of EFL in the stage of secondary education in the region of Aragón. For that, the method to follow has been based on the development of different surveys used to gather information about the popularity of literature in some Aragonese classrooms. In addition to this, th...

The Power of Literature in EFL Classrooms

Floris, F.D. (2004). The power of literature in EFL classrooms. K@ta, 6 (1), 1-12.

This paper proposes the importance of acknowledging literature as one of the best resources for promoting language learning in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classrooms. It reviews briefly various theoretical issues in teaching English through literature. Highlights are given to the justifications and guidelines for literature in the language classroom. Finally, the article presents examples of practical teaching and learning tasks based on one specific literary text.

Approaches to Teaching Literature in Efl Classrooms

2015

Students read less and less and illiteracy is an increasing phenomenon in our society. This study is an attempt to prove that literature is still useful and necessary in the personal and professional growth of youth and of all individuals. We have also tried to understand the reasons why students don`t read anymore and also to discuss the relevance of selected texts and teaching methods used by teachers. The sample of our study consists of students enrolled in the study programme Romanian Language and Literature & English Language and Literature of “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad.

Teaching literature in the language classroom: an introduction

2012

5 Within this first of three planned short overview articles, I offer a brief introduction to literature use in the language classroom. This should be useful for teachers considering using literature in the language classroom, while for those already doing so, it may refresh or challenge their thoughts on the matter by offering some differing perspectives. The article first considers the nature of literature and seeks to define the elusive. Secondly, three differing models of literature usage are presented, with an extra fourth model added, that is specifically relevant for EFL teaching. Finally, the article presents criteria teachers may consider in deciding upon choosing appropriate literature for their own classroom use.