Literature is indeed interesting

I refer to ‘Author: Teach literature to impart good values’ NST 2 May 2011. The subject of literature is truly interesting. As an educator, I strongly support efforts to enhance the teaching of literature in primary and as well secondary schools.

As stated by Prof Emeritus Dr Muhammad Salleh, this subject teaches good values in the stories of the literature texts. Currently, the Ministry of Education has made literature texts compulsory for all students at secondary and primary schools. A particular English and Malay text is supposed to be read and scrutinized the text under the guidance of the teacher.

Although this subject is not evaluated at the end of each semester, but the teaching of literature has many benefits to students.

But, the question is whether the subject is being taught in an interesting manner or otherwise? This is the debate now. Many teachers are not able to conduct literature classes as it should be, as they use the time allocated for this subject to teach other subjects, usually language lessons. This is because the subject is not a subject that is evaluated at the end of every semester.

Actually, there are many ways to make the subject interesting. Allow me share some of my experiences teaching literature in schools. As this subject is inter-twined with language, it can made interesting with language activities.

Besides increasing vocabulary, the texts do help students to understand values when reading the stipulated texts. Vocabulary activities can include cross-word puzzles based on particular chapters or short stories read in the literature texts besides normal word-meaning exercises.

Creative comprehension exercises, grammar exercises and dictionary activities can be also carried out in classes. But, all these need prior preparation of teachers.   Are our teachers prepared to make prior preparations to teach literature, when they are already overloaded with many responsibilities?

In this context, I believe, the role of teachers is crucial in making this subject an appealing and attractive one. They have to find creative and interesting ways to make literature classes fascinating to students.