In master’s thesis I explored approaches related to how to improve quality learning in literature classes. I presented a new approach for teaching literature in high schools based on a combination of distant and close reading.
In the theoretical part, I first presented existing theoretical insights, empirical findings, and arguments for and against the newly introduced approach. I revisited the understanding of the learning process for students and the methods that foster it. I presented literature teaching, the goals outlined in the Slovenian curriculum for high schools, and the methods used in teaching literature. Finally, I introduced the terms close reading and distant reading.
In the empirical part of the thesis, I discussed a study that I conducted in a high school literature class in which I introduced the new approach to teaching literature. In addition to the impact on achieving curriculum goals, I was interested in how much of a deeper understanding of a poem and the poet’s meaning could be achieved through a combination of distant and close reading methods. I identified the advantages and disadvantages of using the new approach to literature analysis through observation forms, reflections, surveys, and a focus group feedback.
I concluded that by providing appropriate conditions for learning and research, the approach can lead to a deeper understanding of the content. It also helps achieve the majority of the learning goals related to the taught content as outlined in the curriculum, though some aspects of the lessons should be adjusted to achieve certain objectives. The main advantages of the new approach were identified as facilitating the search, recognition, and connection of motifs in poems, as well as enhancing understanding of these motifs, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the poem itself, the poet, and his poetics. The approach is also engaging and different, which can stimulate students’ interest in the content and their motivation to work. Key limitations of the approach include the lengthy analysis (which coincides with the time limitations of lessons), the potential for misinterpretation of texts if the online tool is not combined with close reading and difficulty in maintaining concentration when working with computers.
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