Investigating EFL Learners’ Attitudes towards Literature Teaching Methods: Case of 2 nd Year LMD Students at the University of Tlemcen

Abstract

The present dissertation investigates the teaching of literature in the EFL context. It attempts, through empirical research, to elicit the students’ attitudes towards literature and the different methods employed by teachers. The implemented descriptive research design incorporates both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The analysis of the findings of the study indicates that students hold mixed feelings towards literature, i.e. positive and negative. Yet, it should be noted that a considerable number of them holds a negative stance towards literary studies. The second finding of the study reveals the fact that despite the latest reform in the Algerian system of education which aims to shift towards more learner centred pedagogy, literature teaching is still teacher-fronted. The study has also shown that a great number of the students have displayed their dissatisfaction with the way literature is being instructed. In an attempt to further reinforce positive and, hopefully, change negative attitudes towards literature and literary studies, a number of recommendations and suggestions have been put forward. These include the urgent need to more student-centred teaching philosophy that is basically task based oriented and that also calls for more cooperative learning. The suggestions, equally, make a place for technology in the literature classroom.