USING LITERARY TEXTS FOR CREATIVE WRITING IN EFL CLASSROOMS

Abstract

This study examined various strategies adopted by teachers for learning various literary texts in EFL classrooms with a focus on teachers’ perceptions and practices of creative writing activities. It also explored the perceived difficulties of teachers for instruction of literary texts and conduction of creative writing activities in EFL classrooms. This study employed ethnographic methodology that looked into the cultural practice of teaching and learning literary texts in language classrooms. As a qualitative approach and interpretive paradigm, this study adopted in-depth interviews and classroom observations as main research tools to get a holistic and comprehensive views, perceptions, and experiences of the research participants with regard to using literary texts in EFL classrooms for enhancing creative writing skills of learners. The results of the study revealed that the use of literary texts as substantial pedagogic tool contributed significantly in developing language skills, critical thinking, creative writing, learner autonomy, and creativity of learners. Thus, it urged for the dire need of literature-enriched curriculum in Secondary level EFL classrooms in Lalitpur district. All participants stated that literary texts are useful resource for teaching language content that can help enhance creative writing skill of learners. ii This study also indicated the importance of due contextualization of literary texts to be used in language classrooms. As argued by Stoller (2002) and Crandall (2013), the participants also advocated for the need of several kinds of motivational strategies to be adopted by teachers to teach literary texts and conduct creative writing activities to make them independent critical and creative learners and to prepare knowledgeable and global citizens