Analyzing the Component of Literature Incorporated in EFL Textbooks in Primary Public Schools, Jordan

Authors

  • Omar Abdullah Al-Haj Eid Faculty of Educational Sciences and Arts (UNRWA)
  • Sameer Hamdan Faculty of Educational Sciences and Arts (UNRWA)
  • Abdalhadi Nimer Abdalqader Abu Jweid Faculty of Educational Sciences and Arts (UNRWA)
  • Abdulhameed A. Majeed Universiti Putra Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1306.15

Keywords:

components of literature, content analysis, action pack series, benefits

Abstract

Literature, culture, and language are associated with each other (Kahraman, 2016). The component of literature revealed common properties essential in the community and the way language is used to express cultural values, thoughts, behavior, feelings, opinions, and beliefs. Therefore, it is vitally important to include literature components into classroom teaching since it encourages more thoughtful and authentic language learning. This study aimed at analyzing the quantity of literature components in Action Pack Series (1-10) currently used at public schools in Jordan. To achieve the study objectives, a total of (50) male and female teachers of English answered a questionnaire devised for this purpose in addition to (15) supervisors of English were interviewed. Content analysis and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data has been carefully analyzed and revealed that a very limited number of literary texts were embedded in the current textbooks, and they were not distributed equally. The inclusion of literature components in APS (1-6) was completely marginalized. The study underlined the importance of including additional literary texts in Action Pack Series for a variety of benefits mentioned in the paper. The researchers recommended presenting a proper perspective by syllabus designers and methodologists to integrate adequate literature components in the prescribed textbooks.

References

Al-Bzour, W, and Oqlah S. (2017). Content analysis of the presentation of the Jordanian national identity aspects in the pupils’ book of action pack series 1-6. Journal of Educational Policy and Entrepreneurial Research, 6(4), 10-22.

Al-Bzour, W, and Al-Jamal, D. (2021). Jordanian national identity aspects in Action Pack Series 7-10. Jordan Journal of Modern Languages and Literatures, 13(1), 1-15.

Al Ghazo, A, and Oqlah S. (2013). A Content analysis of the English treading text’s authenticity in student's book of action pack eleven in Jordan. European Scientific Journal, 29(9), 342-359.

Block. C. (1997). Teaching the language arts: Expanding thinking through student-centered instruction. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Chen, M. (2014). Teaching English as a foreign language through literature. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 4(2), 232-236.

Collie, J. and Stephen Slater. (1987). Literature in the language classroom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Gilroy, M. and Brian P. (1996). State of the art article: Teaching literature in a foreign language. Language Teaching, 29(4,) 213–225.

Griffiths, C. and Judy P. (2001). Language-learning Strategies: Theory and perception. ELT Journal, 55(3), 247-254.

Gumuşok, F. (2013). A Quest for Literature in ELT Course books.” Journal of History Culture and Art Research, 2(2): 114-133.

Hadaway, N., Vardell S and Terrel Y. (2002). Literature-based instruction with English language learners, K–12. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Hall, G. (2005). Literature in language. Centre for applied language studies, University of Wales Swansea, UK.

Hamdan, S. (2008). Analyzing aspects of gender in English language Jordanian basic stage curriculum from a socio- cultural perspective. Diss. Amman Arab University for Graduate Studies. Web. 25 May. 2022.

Jarvis, H and Atsilarat S. (2004). Shifting paradigms: from a communicative to a context-based approach. Asian EFL Journal, 6, 4-8.

Jesenko, M. (2014). The use of literary texts in EFL course books. Ljubljana: Filozofska fakulteta, Oddelek za anglistiko in amerikanistiko.

Kablan, M. (2010). English teaching: Practice and critique. Volume 9, Number 3. Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Kahraman, A. (2016). Teachers “and learners” attitudes towards culture and culture learning in a Turkish context. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 12(2), 01-12.

Krippendroff, K. (2004). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Larsen, D. (2000). Techniques and principles in language teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Lazar, G. (1993). Literature and language teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Manasrah, M., Mahmoud A, and Mohammed A. (2013). A content analysis of the vocabulary items in action pack 12 for twelfth grade in Jordanian Schools. International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 150(3), 129-136.

Masuhara, H., Naeema H., Yong Y., and Brian T. (2008). Survey review: Adult EFL courses. ELT Journal, 62(3), 294-312.

McKay, S. (2001). Literature as Content for ESL/EFL. In Teaching of English as a Second or Foreign Language [3rd ed.], edited by Marianne Celce-Murcia, 319-332. Boston, Mass.: Heinle and Heinle.

Mkuchu, S. (2004). Gender roles in textbooks as a function of hidden curriculum in Tanzania primary schools. Diss. University of South Africa. Web. 18 May. 2022.

Nasr, N. (2001). The use of poetry in TEFL: Literature in the new Lebanese curriculum. Revista de Filología y su Didáctica, 24, 345-363.

Obaidat, M. (1997). Evaluation of EFL in-service training course in Jordan (Views and Practices). Diss. University of Bristol. Web. 20 May. 2022.

Ross, N. (1991). Literature and film. ELT Journal, 45(2), 147-155.

Smadi, M., and Wafaa’ H. (2016). The inclusion of life skills in English textbooks in Jordan. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(1), 81-96.

Timuçin, Metin. (2001). Gaining insights into alternative teaching approaches employed in an EFL literature class. Revista de Filología y su Didáctica, 24, 269-293.

Valdes, J. (1986). Culture in literature: In culture bound. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Van, T. (2009). The relevance of literary analysis to teaching literature in the EFL Classroom. English Teaching Forum, 3, 2-9.

Wang, P. (2009). The application of integrated literature instruction for freshmen. Sino-US English Teacher, 6(9), 1-11.

Yildirim, A. (2012). Literature and English culture in ELT. Novitas-ROYAL (Research on Youth and Language), 6(2), 137-153.

Zawahreh, F. (2012). A Content analysis of grammar activities in students’ books of action pack seven as a textbook for teaching English as a foreign language in Jordan. Language in India, 12(4), 160-178.

Zoreda, M., Vivaldo-Lima, J. (2008). Scaffolding linguistic and intercultural goals in EFL with simplified novels and their film adaptations. English Teaching Forum, 46(3), 22-29.

Downloads

Published

2023-06-01

Issue

Section

Articles