Reflections Upon The Teaching of EFL Literature as a Means for Promoting Students’ Active Learning

Abstract

The present thesis attempts, through empirical research, to measure active learning in the literature classroom. The analysis of the findings of the study indicates that literature teaching is still bound to traditional approaches that do not emphasise the students and their active role in constructing knowledge. The students are always seen as empty vessels to be filled up with knowledge by teachers who favour unidirectional lecture methods .The study has also revealed that the exploitability of the literary text is at minimum: little is done with the literary text in the classroom, this in turn has increased students’ passivity. It has also been revealed that teachers tend to show a striking reluctance to incorporate active learning strategies which have the potential to encourage the students assume more participatory roles. In response to this situation, some general recommendations and other practical suggestions have been accordingly made to promote active learning.