Challenges in Using Literature in English Classroom:The Case of Grade 11 Students in Sodo Preparatory School

Abstract

This descriptive-analytic study aimed 1) to investigate the problems that the teachers and students face in using literature to teach English; 2) To identify the extent to which the teachers and the students treat the literature provided in grade 11 English textbook; and 3) To identify which literary work is more challenging to teach and to learn English in the classroom.  First, some commonly adopted approaches to literature teaching are outlined and specific issues and dilemmas located. Next, using current situation at Wolaita Sodo preparatory school as a case in point, these perceived issues and dilemmas are fleshed out and possible solutions from diverse fronts are then sketched out. This study examined the difficulties facing English teachers in teaching literary texts in English for Ethiopia (grade 11) textbook which has been prescribed by the MOE (Ministry of Education) of Ethiopia from the academic session 2020. Literature has always been an integral part of teaching foreign languages. In the era of CA (Communicative Approach), the aim of reading literature has been changed. From this view point, MOE of Ethiopia has published new textbook version of English textbook for grade-11 classes, and included some literary texts in this book. The emphasis of this literary text is not just on content but on the exploitation of the texts to trigger a variety of language activities. Based on a semi-structured interview with six HSC (Higher Secondary) level English teachers from Wolaita Sodo preparatory school, this study particularly focused on the newly included literary texts to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the materials; and identified the difficulties that the teachers might have encountered. Finally, some recommendations were drawn by means of valuable opinions of the participants. Based on the findings of the study and the conclusions, syllabus designers and textbook writers should take the challenges which both teachers and students face into account and add more explanations on the guide and the textbook that help teachers and students tackle the challenges of literature.

Keywords: Challenges, Using Literature, English Classroom, Students, Preparatory School

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-1-01

Publication date: January 31^st 2021