Students Perception and Interest in Using Literary Texts for Teaching English

The present investigation attempted to see if using literary texts could lead into any change in learners interest or perception toward literature. The research also attempted to find students perception on using literary content in language learning based on learners opinions. The investigation finally sought to discover the way learners interest in literature changed as a result of using literary texts as the instructional content. The Research employed a mixed-method design to answer the questions proposed in the study. After analyzing data through t-test, Gain-score comparison and thematic analysis, the results showed that using literary content worked as useful and constructive for learners in language learning and life objectives. The results further confirmed that learners interest level improved positively due to using simplified literary texts, whereas, the positive role could not be seen in using authentic literary content. Accordingly, content selection from literature along with considering learners life needs are able to make language learning more attractive to learners. The results also support that developing newer books with literary texts can provide learners with different knowledge like cultural awareness, social knowledge or historical background, which seem to be urgent life needs in today s modern society.