EFL Teachers’ Perceptions Towards the Integration of Literary Texts in EFL Classes

Abstract

Literary texts have been crucial for many years in English language education. Therefore, using literary texts in This study aims to find out EFL teachers’ views related to the use of literary texts in English language education. A questionnaire and interview questions were used in this data collection process. The data was collected through Google Forms, online meetings, and phone calls. The result of this study indicates that English teachers’ views and attitudes about using literary texts in English language education are quite positive. Most of the participants indicated that they like literary texts and try to use them in their lessons as much as possible according to the interviews. Also, the results of the questionnaire showed EFL teachers believe that the integration of literary texts helps and promotes most of the subjects in English language teaching such as skills, grammar, and vocabulary. In addition to these, it helps not only with language skills but also learning the culture of the target language in accordance with the results. Furthermore, using literature in English language education motivates learners according to the results of the questionnaire. However, most of the participants never or rarely use literary texts in their lessons even if most of them indicate that they like using literary texts in their classes. When the participants were asked the reasons for not using literary texts in their classes, their answers were mainly related to the level of the students and the curriculum. In short, English teachers are aware of the positive effects of integrating literary texts into ELT though they need to be encouraged and promoted to use them more often.

Keywords: EFL teachers, English language education, Literature, Literary text.

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-33-02

Publication date: November 30^th 2023