The aim of this study is to investigate how and why Swedish upper secondary school teachers use fiction in relation to the fundamental values in the EFL classroom. Using fiction as pedagogical material is an advantageous method when raising topics related to the fundamental values, which include topics such as democracy, equality, and gender awareness. The study is based on seven semi-structured interviews with Swedish upper secondary school teachers who all teach English. A content analysis was conducted in order to thematize and categorize the results. The project’s theoretical framework is based on modes of engagement as presented by Rita Felski and phases of the reading process as presented by Judith Langer. The theoretical framework illuminates how and why teachers use fiction in relation to the fundamental values. The results show that the teachers mostly use novels and films to raise topics related to the fundamental values, since extensive narratives and character developments allow the pupils to get to know the characters and hence identify with them easily. In class, all the teachers appreciated[A1] discussion as a method for their pupils to gain a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. The results further showed that the teachers believe fiction has great potential when raising topics related to the fundamental values. Pupils are able to react, respond to, and recognize themselves in what they read, which in turn teaches them something about themselves and the surrounding world. The results also show that the most prominent challenge with fiction is that not all pupils read or like to read. In conclusion, teachers prefer to use longer fictional texts, such as novels or films, to raise topics related to the fundamental values, and they use fictional texts because fiction as pedagogical material shows great potential in English classes.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:hj-58505 |
| Date | January 2022 |
| Creators | Blomén, Jessica |
| Publisher | Jönköping University, Högskolan för lärande och kommunikation |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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