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An Exploratory Study of Students’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of Language-Literature Integration in Secondary EFL Education

  • Lina Sun

    Lina SUN works as an associate professor of English Education and Applied Linguistics at the Department of English, School of Foreign Languages, Nankai University. She completed her PhD (2014) in Education and Rhetoric at Saint Louis University, MO, USA. Her research efforts have focused on Foreign Language Education, Children’s and Young Adult Literature, and Multicultural Education.

Published/Copyright: March 17, 2023
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Abstract

The benefits of using literature in second/foreign language instruction have been re-gaining recognition in recent years. This study investigates a reading program implemented by an experienced teacher in a Chinese high school, with the aim of exploring students’ and teachers’ perceptions, as well as possible pedagogical strategies. Graphic novels were used in the program, facilitated by such literacy activities as reader’s theatre, keeping a reflection journal, literature circles, and explicit vocabulary teaching. This exploratory case study lasted for four months, collecting data from student and teacher participants, classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, reflection journals, artifacts, and relevant documents. Using the framework of a critical literacy approach to second/foreign language teaching, this study finds that with explicit teacher guidance and critical pedagogies, students developed high-order reading/thinking skills, multiple perspectives, historical empathy, and agency by engaging in multiliteracies practices through language-literature integration. Additionally, by highlighting some of the challenges and confusions teachers encountered, this study draws attention to the need for teacher training in the implementation of this pedagogical approach, alongside implications for future research and practice.

About the author

Lina Sun

Lina SUN works as an associate professor of English Education and Applied Linguistics at the Department of English, School of Foreign Languages, Nankai University. She completed her PhD (2014) in Education and Rhetoric at Saint Louis University, MO, USA. Her research efforts have focused on Foreign Language Education, Children’s and Young Adult Literature, and Multicultural Education.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Chinese Foundation of Foreign Language Education (ZGWYJYJJ11A088) and 2021 Special Scientific Research Project of Tianjin Educational Committee (Foreign Language Education, 2021ZXWY-YB01)

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Published Online: 2023-03-17
Published in Print: 2023-02-23

© 2023 FLTRP, Walter de Gruyter, Cultural and Education Section British Embassy

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