The development of new digital technologies has changed the use of media for teaching in schools considerably. But despite that, literature has not lost its importance. It is still one of the most important mediums for language learning purposes in the English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom today. Furthermore, literary material is not limited to the classical texts anymore. This becomes obvious when having a look into contemporary teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) school books, in which a relevant amount of the presented material is based on literary texts not belonging to the canon.
The question, however, is how literature is used for language learning purposes and why it is so commonly used in TEFL contexts. Therefore, this paper aims at examining the use of literature for language learning purposes in the EFL classroom on the basis of one specific textbook material that makes use of a literary text. The material is taken from the school book “Pathway. Lese- und Arbeitsbuch Englisch zur Einführung in die gymnasiale Oberstufe”, which was published by Schöningh in the year 2014 and is designed for grade 10 at a grammar school (Gymnasium). The literary text itself is an extract from the popular fiction young adult novel “The Namesake” by Jumpa Lahiri and together with the responding tasks and classroom activities it shall serve as the basis for the analysis of how literature or more specifically this chosen material can support the students' language learning effectively.
In order to evaluate the material, it is, however, necessary to start with a brief description of current modern principles of foreign language teaching, i.e. the approaches to effective TEFL. Bearing in mind this theoretical context unfolded in chapter 2, section 3 aims to apply this theoretical background in order to evaluate the material in question. Questions that chapter 3 attempts to answer are for instance: What are the aims of TEFL? How is effective language learning perceived? How can the material based on a piece of literature be used in class? Does the material and its recommended classroom activities meet the different aims of TEFL? In what way does the material in combination with the tasks foster effective language learning? The fourth section will contain a critical discussion on the topic. It is supposed to connect the research question, the theoretical context and the analysis.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Theoretical Context
- The Transition from Traditional Approaches to Communicative Language Teaching.
- Communicative Competence (CC) and Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC).
- Interactionism and Constructivism: Two learning theories that shape CLT
- What are the means or methods that best facilitate learning according to CLT? ...
- The role of literature in the English as a foreign language classroom.
- Application: Analysis of exemplary textbook material.
- Qualitative evaluation of the literary example in question
- Methodological analysis of the corresponding classroom activities in relation to the literary text.
- Critical Discussion and Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to examine the use of literature for language learning purposes in the EFL classroom on the basis of one specific textbook material that makes use of a literary text. The paper explores the effectiveness of using literature in supporting students' language learning, considering the current paradigms and principles of foreign language teaching. The analysis focuses on a specific material from a school book designed for grade 10 at a grammar school.- The transition from traditional to communicative language teaching approaches
- The role of literature in the EFL classroom
- The effectiveness of using literature in supporting language learning
- Analysis of exemplary textbook material using a literary text
- Critical discussion and conclusion regarding the use of literature in EFL
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction
The paper introduces the topic of using literature for language learning purposes in the EFL classroom, highlighting the continued relevance of literature in the digital age. It focuses on analyzing a specific textbook material that utilizes a literary text from the young adult novel "The Namesake" by Jumpa Lahiri.Theoretical Context
This chapter provides an overview of influential concepts and theories in second language learning, outlining the shift from traditional approaches to communicative language teaching (CLT). It examines the principles and aims of CLT, emphasizing the importance of communication, learner-centered teaching, and the role of literature in the EFL classroom.Application: Analysis of exemplary textbook material.
This chapter delves into the qualitative evaluation of the literary example from "The Namesake" and analyzes the corresponding classroom activities in relation to the text. It examines how the material aligns with the principles of CLT and its effectiveness in supporting language learning.Critical Discussion and Conclusion
This section connects the research question, the theoretical context, and the analysis, offering a critical discussion and concluding remarks on the use of literature in the EFL classroom.Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the use of literature in the EFL classroom, exploring the concepts of communicative language teaching, learner-centered approaches, and the effectiveness of literary material in supporting language learning. The analysis centers on a specific textbook material that incorporates a literary text from "The Namesake" by Jumpa Lahiri, examining its potential to enhance students' language skills. Key terms include communicative competence, intercultural communicative competence, interactionism, constructivism, and the role of literature in TEFL.- Citar trabajo
- Saleem Arif (Autor), 2015, The use of literature as a medium for language learning purposes in the EFL classroom, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/318718
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¡Carge sus propios textos! Gane dinero y un iPhone X. -
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¡Carge sus propios textos! Gane dinero y un iPhone X. -
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¡Carge sus propios textos! Gane dinero y un iPhone X. -
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¡Carge sus propios textos! Gane dinero y un iPhone X. -
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¡Carge sus propios textos! Gane dinero y un iPhone X. -
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¡Carge sus propios textos! Gane dinero y un iPhone X. -
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¡Carge sus propios textos! Gane dinero y un iPhone X.