The Teaching of Literature in an ESL/EFL Context: The Dynamics of Change
Keywords:
Teaching ESL/EFL Literature, Study of LiteratureAbstract
The last five decades have witnessed far reaching changes in English language teaching and learning. There is now greater awareness among teachers of concepts, such as learner-centeredness and task-based learning. The changes with regard to teaching and study of literature, especially in ESL/EFL situations, have been few, if any, for example the use of literature in a language curriculum. The approach to teaching literature as literature to students of English major in the ESL/EFL context has, however, seen little change. The aim of this article is to review the changes in the field of teaching literature, with a focus on key issues, such as goals of teaching literature, nature of literary discourse, role of literature in language teaching, approach to teaching literature, criteria for selection of texts and assessment of student learning. An attempt has been made to explore how our understanding of these issues has changed over the decades. A few possible directions for future study and research are also suggested to make literature teaching and study interesting, meaningful, relevant and satisfying to both teachers and learners.
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