This paper explores the benefits of using literature to improve freshmen＇s language skills in English. Teaching strategies of literature instruction encouraged peer collaboration and constructing meaning with other s...This paper explores the benefits of using literature to improve freshmen＇s language skills in English. Teaching strategies of literature instruction encouraged peer collaboration and constructing meaning with other students prior to class, in class and after class. Various activities, such as group discussion on guided questions, presentation of reading diary and peer correction of reflection poems were applied to enhance students＇ learning interests. Four intact advanced-level classes of 162 freshmen participated in the study. They answered a questionnaire and took an English proficiency pre/post test. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Scheffe post-Hoc test, independent t-test and a paired t-test were used to analyze data. Results showed literature instruction effectively promoted students＇ English skills and their awareness of cultural differences. Watching the adaptation of the novel on DVD before they read the book helped students＇ comprehension. Finally, there was a significant improvement in both students＇ reading and listening exam grades. Future studies may consider looking for participants from different levels of English proficiency and extending the instruction time from one semester to two semesters.展开更多
文摘This paper explores the benefits of using literature to improve freshmen＇s language skills in English. Teaching strategies of literature instruction encouraged peer collaboration and constructing meaning with other students prior to class, in class and after class. Various activities, such as group discussion on guided questions, presentation of reading diary and peer correction of reflection poems were applied to enhance students＇ learning interests. Four intact advanced-level classes of 162 freshmen participated in the study. They answered a questionnaire and took an English proficiency pre/post test. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Scheffe post-Hoc test, independent t-test and a paired t-test were used to analyze data. Results showed literature instruction effectively promoted students＇ English skills and their awareness of cultural differences. Watching the adaptation of the novel on DVD before they read the book helped students＇ comprehension. Finally, there was a significant improvement in both students＇ reading and listening exam grades. Future studies may consider looking for participants from different levels of English proficiency and extending the instruction time from one semester to two semesters.
