Developing Effective Reading Strategies through Literature Circles The Case of First Year EFL Students at the University of Tlemcen

Abstract

This study is a tentative attempt to identify the possible challenges and constraints that precludes and demotivates first year licence students’ literature short stories reading in meeting the subject of Literary studies. The possible reasons behind this query which could be the students’ low proficient level, the type of the text and the way they are taught or the lack of students’ intrinsic motivation. Based on the overall findings analysis, it is suggested some pedagogical consideration on the syllabus, the teaching learning approach and objectives, and text selection as prerequisite to cope with students’ weaknesses. Besides, some principal recommendations on classroom instructions stepping toward more strategy based instructions (Literature circles) and discussion based instructions (Questioning technique). As an attempt to introduce innovation from teachers to increase students ‘motivation and appreciation in reading short stories , some effective strategies are further stressed namely creating connection, ensuring motivation, promoting empathy and fostering appreciation. Going deep with these findings, it is suggested the role of teaching reading strategies with regard to the emotional and social perspective in learning literature.