The Benefits of Using Literature in Educational Practices and Boosting Students’ Engagement

Literature plays a crucial role in education, a powerful tool for learning and teaching various subjects. It enriches the educational experience by fostering critical thinking, enhancing language skills, and promoting cultural awareness. Literature can enhance critical thinking and empathy by exposing students to various voices, perspectives, and experiences. This article explores the multifaceted role of literature in the learning and teaching process. Incorporating diverse literary texts in instruction is essential for fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive educational environment. In the present qualitative study seven literature and teaching professors, and twenty-six university students at the BA level were interviewed. The data were analyzed to deduce the relevant themes. The results revealed many positive points in using literary texts in language learning and teaching. In addition, some important themes were obtained from the interview data. In general, it was revealed that diverse texts could reflect students' varied backgrounds and challenge dominant narratives, encouraging learners to explore and appreciate different cultures and histories. This approach promotes student engagement and relevance, as the students see themselves represented in the literature they study. Moreover, different literary texts can serve as powerful tools for discussions around social justice, identity, and power dynamics, helping students to navigate complex societal issues. Ultimately, integrating these texts enriches the curriculum, supports the development of a more equitable classroom, and prepares students to thrive in a multicultural world.

کلیدواژه ها:

Learning ، Teaching ، Literature ، literary texts