How ESL Teachers Use EnglishLiterature in the Classroom

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the purpose of literature instruction in English 5, 6 and 7. The questions that are examined are; the purpose of literature instruction in English, which methods are used by the teachers and how teachers choose which literature to include. The study is qualitative and is based on an interview study in which three teachers that currently teach English 5, 6 and 7 participated. These interviews are presented and discussed in relation to the curriculum, GY11, course documents and research in the area. The results show that teachers use literature to achieve a number of goals set by the curriculum and course documents, and that they often choose to include extensive reading in courses even when it is not demanded. The teachers use several methods, where discussions and written assignments complement each other. Literature selection is based on a careful balance between getting students motivated to read the assigned literature and achieving the intended purpose.