Integrating literature into EFL classes: the case of bringing short stories into Iranian EFL classes to see its impact on the EFL learners’ language learning motivation and their attitudes towards English literature

Short stories act as catalysts for merging English and life. They fully strike the balance of engaging, challenging, and fulfilling for language learners. Therefore, the current study built up its aim on how exposing students to short stories affects 1) their motivation in foreign language learning and 2) their attitude towards English literature. A sample of 100 intermediate level English students was examined during a four-month period of treatment in which they were exposed to 15 short stories during their lessons. Their attitude and level of motivation was gained through two questionnaires called Attitude Questionnaire and Motivation Questionnaire at the beginning of the study. After a 4-month treatment the same questionnaires were filled out by the students for the second time. The comparison between the results of the pre and post tests revealed a significant difference between the students performances before and after being exposed to the short stories.