Different models of teaching literature in class,

There have been different models suggested on the teaching of literature to ESL/EFL
students (Carter & Long, Lazar). How the teacher will use a literary text depends on the model
they choose.

The cultural model views a literary text as a product. This means that it is treated as a
source of information about the target culture. It is the most traditional approach, often used in
university courses on literature. The culture model will examine the social, political and
historical background to a text. This approach tends to quite teacher – centred. This approach
typically involves the development and communication of clear rules about acceptable and
unacceptable behaviour, and reasonable consequences for breaking the rules.

The language model aims to be more learners – centred. As learners proceed through a
text, they pay attention to the way language is used. They come to grips with the meaning and
increase their general awareness of English. Within this model of studying literature, the
teacher can choose to focus on general grammar and vocabulary (in the same way that these
are presented in course books for example) or use stylistic analysis. Stylistic analysis involves
the close study of the linguistic features of the text – it aims to help learners read and study
literature more competently.

Personal Growth Model – encourages students to voice their own opinions regarding the text.
It is also student-centered; it also provides interaction between reader and text.
There are six approaches in the teaching of literature.
1. Language Base approach
 Is usually more concern with act of decoding with language as system in itself.
2. Paraphrastic Approach
 Popularly applied by teachers, this is followed by the information – based
approach.
3. Information Based Approach
 Study of cognitive development evolved out this theory is based on the idea that
humans process the information they receive rather than merely responding to
stimuli.
4. Personal Response Approach
 In a response to literature can share your understanding of reaction to a piece of
literature you may include
 Your feeling about character
 Your impression of the story
 Any similarities and differences the story might have your own life
5. Moral Philosophical Approach
 Assumes a larger purpose in literature which is to present moral and
philosophical issues.
 Judge the value of the literature its moral lesson or ethical teaching.

According to Jonathan Glover

 The moral problems of abortion, infanticide, suicide, euthanasia, capital

punishment, war and other life or death, death choices.
 Causing death and saving lives.
6. Stylistic Approach
 Analysis in linguistic refers to the identification of pattern of usage speech and
writing.
 Stylistic Analysis in literary students is usually made for the purpose of
commenting and qualify and meaning in a text.
 Help the students master the vocabulary and grammar of the language as well as
the four language skills – speaking, writing, reading, and listening.