Experiences and attitudes of trainee teachers towards the use of literature in the EFL classroom

Louise Kocianová, University of Trnava, Slovakia

Abstract: This presentation presents the results of quantitative and qualitative research carried out into the experiences and attitudes of trainee English teachers in Slovakia towards the use of literature in the EFL classroom. The research takes the form of an anonymous online survey into trainee teachers’ views and experiences with literature. Responses highlight both benefits and criticisms of using literature in the EFL classroom and demonstrate that there is an interest in teaching literature and also a need for further education of trainee teachers in this area. There is strong agreement amongst respondents that teaching literature to L2 learners can result in better cultural awareness and empathy, personal growth and the improvement of linguistic abilities in the target language. Respondents share some positive personal experiences of creative and engaging use of literature and describe a broad range of specific texts that they would like to utilise in the classroom in their future careers as teachers. It is concluded that the inclusion of some literature is seen as a positive and valuable component of language courses by trainee English teachers.

Key words: EFL, second language learners, teaching literature, teacher training