How to Teach Literature in English Effectively in Schools
The experience of teaching English in the Ghanaian context reveals major challenges confronting both teachers and learners. Chief among these are the lack of opportunities to teach and learn English language and literature in interactive and explorative classrooms where inclusion, differentiation, progression, and duplication are addressed. Teachers often require guidance on how to deliver a curriculum that develops learners’ skills and competencies, enabling them to progress into further studies. It is interesting to note apart from these, the course has also been labelled with several misconceptions such as :
– Literature is only for girls.
– English is too difficult a subject.
– English should not be studied since it is spoken by everyone.
– Cultural biases against literary study.
– Anyone who can speak English can teach literature.
Added to these misconceptions are practical issues such as lack of innovative teaching strategies, unmotivated learners, and in some cases, large class sizes. Despite these challenges, research consistently shows the value of literature in education. Literary reading fosters empathy and social judgment (Nussbaum, 1997; Bal & Veltkamp, 2013; Mar & Oatley, 2008), develops critical thinking and intellectual growth (Langer, 2011, 2013), enhances textual competence and expressive ability (Alsup, 2013; Ivey & Johnston;2013).
In this expanded discussion, effective ways of teaching the three main genres of literature that is poetry, prose, and drama will be explored in detail, along with suggested strategies for motivating learners, integrating technology, and assessing progress.
## Teaching Poetry
Poetry is a carefully crafted form of writing that uses vivid language to evoke emotions, ideas, and sensory experiences. It is arranged in lines and stanzas, either in free verse or rhyme, and relies on devices such as simile, metaphor, and imagery.
Steps for Teaching Poetry:
Step 1: Introduction
– Create a relaxed, open-minded environment.
– Encourage students to share prior experiences with poetry.
– Introduce key terms (metaphor, simile, alliteration, personification, imagery).
Step 2: Reading and Analysis
– Read the poem aloud and discuss initial reactions.
– Analyse structure(lines , rhyming scheme (if any), language, and literary devices.
– Ask guiding questions: What stands out? What emotions are evoked? What themes are explored?
Step 3: Interpretation
– Explore the historical and cultural context of the poem.
– Identify tone, imagery, symbolism, and motifs.
– Encourage multiple interpretations supported by textual evidence.
Step 4: Creative Response
– Students may write reflections, create artwork, or compose their own poems.
– Foster peer sharing through workshops and open mic sessions.
Additional Strategies:
– Use multimedia (recordings of poets, visual images, or music) to reinforce meaning.
– Organize poetry competitions to build excitement.
– Connect poems to contemporary issues to make them relevant.
Assessment: written analyses, creative projects, class participation, quizzes, group presentations, and performances.
## Teaching Prose
Prose is straightforward written or spoken language used to communicate facts, ideas, or stories. It includes fiction, essays, autobiographies, and oral narratives.
Teaching Approach:
– Analyse prose structure and literary devices.
– Examine narrative elements such as point of view, tone, style, and symbolism.
– Provide background context and authorial intent.
– Encourage guided and independent analysis through class discussions and small-group tasks.
– Assign tasks such as short essays, prose anthologies, and creative writing exercises.
Additional Strategies:
– Use reading circles to promote collaboration.
– Encourage dramatization of short stories to deepen comprehension.
– Integrate technology by using e-books and online reading platforms.
Learning Outcomes:
– Evaluate authorial intent and themes.
– Demonstrate critical thinking through analysis.
– Enhance expressive and interpretive skills.
– Develop independent reading habits.
## Teaching Drama
Drama is literature intended for performance, engaging audiences through dialogue and action. Plays may be tragic, comic, tragicomic, or melodramatic.
Key Elements of Drama:
Characters: individuals with distinct roles and traits.
–Dialogue: conversations driving the story.
Plot: sequence of events.
Theme: central idea of the work.
Stage Directions: instructions for actors and production teams.
Teaching Approach:
– Introduce drama and its forms with examples.
– Explore dramatic elements using role-play or improvisation.
– Conduct close readings of dramatic texts.
– Organize group discussions and scriptwriting activities.
– Encourage performance-based learning through staged readings and short plays.
Additional Strategies:
– Take students to live theatre performances where possible.
– Invite theatre practitioners for workshops.
– Use recorded plays and films for comparative analysis.
Assessment: participation, written assignments, performances, group debates, and reflective journals.
Inclusive Strategies: differentiated instruction, multimodal presentations, group collaboration, and culturally relevant texts.
## Integrating Technology in Teaching Literature
– Use digital tools (PowerPoint, Google Classroom, Kahoot) for interactive lessons.
– Encourage blogging or online discussion forums for literary reflections.
– Assign multimedia projects, such as video summaries or digital storytelling.
– Provide access to e-libraries and online archives.
## Conclusion
Teaching literature in English requires more than just covering content; it demands strategies that actively engage learners, connect texts to cultural and historical contexts, and inspire critical and creative thinking. Whether through poetry’s figurative richness, prose’s narrative depth, or drama’s performative power, literature opens windows into the human experience and builds empathy, imagination, and communication skills.
By incorporating interactive activities, performance, technology, and critical discussion, teachers can overcome misconceptions and motivate learners to appreciate literature. Ultimately, effective teaching of literature equips students not only with academic skills but also with values of empathy, creativity, and cultural understanding. Literature should be taught as a living subject—one that nurtures personal growth, fosters social awareness, and prepares learners to engage meaningfully with the world.
CREDIT TO VICTORIA KUKUA STEVENS, Dr. JEMIMA LARTELEY MENSAH,AND VERY REV. EBO EPHRAIM