489DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND MODERN METHODS IN
TEACHING LITERATURE
Nurbek Umidovich Khamzaev
Student of Kimyo International University in Tashkent uralj i03 @gmail .com
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the distinctions between conventional and modern ways of teaching literature, as well as the use of technology in the classroom. Traditional methods of teaching literature frequently entail lecturing, rote memorization, and text-by-text examination, but current approaches frequently integrate interactive exercises, collaborative discussions, and the use of multimedia resources. The use of technology into literary instruction has extended chances for interactive and collaborative learning experiences, allowing students to connect with literature in novel ways. However, it is critical to assess the benefits and drawbacks of various methodologies and technology, as well as their possible influence on student learning outcomes. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of traditional and modern teaching methods of teaching literature, and evaluates the potential of technology as a tool for enhancing literary learning and challenges educators may face when incorporating modern methods into their curricula.
Keywords: Teaching literature, traditional methods, modern methods, purpose of literature, critical thinking skills, communication skills, technology.
"Read, read, and read. Read everything - trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You will absorb it. Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it
out of the window." William Faulkner[1]
INTRODUCTION
Life in the 21st century has equipped people with an unlimited source of information and daily, updated research. Smart devices, gadgets, and applications allow students and other learners to have free access to online courses; additionally, a recently created AI named GPT helps to solve complicated tasks and responds to many questions. Furthermore, almost all people know that literature is a valuable tool for teaching language and critical thinking skills. However, traditional methods of teaching
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literature may not always effectively engage students or prepare them for modern challenges and opportunities. The importance of teaching literature with modern methods lies in the need to equip students with relevant skills and perspectives that will help them in their future academic pursuits and professional careers. Thus, the following article explores the purpose of literature, the differences between traditional and modern methods, and the role of technology in teaching literature.
1. The purpose of literature
According to the website "The Academy: Foundation, Fundaments of Literature and Drama" (n.d.)[2], the emergence of literature in the English-speaking world began in 18th-century England. As an academic subject, literature was originally institutionalized not in universities but in mechanics' institutes and working men's institutions. During this time, literature became disassociated from ordinary social life. Moreover, the earlier mentioned site provides the saying of the professor of English literature at Oxford, George Gordon: "England is sick, and English literature must save it". During the 18th century, literature was taught because, as a Victorian manual for English instructors put it, it promoted sympathy and comradeship among all classes. It was also supposed to have the power to elevate the minds of the lower classes. Scholar Brya Bromfield (2020)[3], had written in the article "Why Do We Even Study Literature?" that the value of literature cannot be overstated; it helps alter your vision and understand better the world around us, improves students' analytical abilities, hones critical thinking skills, and enhances their communication skills.
The article "Why Literature Is Important" by Paul Jenkins (2022)[4] says that one of the primary benefits of studying literature is its ability to enhance a student's communication abilities. Reading literary works can expose them to different writing styles, vocabulary, and sentence structures, which can strengthen their writing skills. Additionally, class discussions and debates about literary works encourage students to articulate their perspectives, effectively communicate their ideas, and critically analyze the ideas of their peers. Furthermore, studying literature might help to strengthen critical thinking skills. In analyzing literary works, students must identify themes, motifs, and symbols while interpreting the significance of literary devices. This process requires students to think beyond the surface level of the text and consider deeper meanings, which helps them develop analytical thinking skills that can be applied across academic disciplines.
2. Traditional methods of teaching literature
According to the website "Our Kids" (n.d.)[5], traditional
methods of teaching literature are those that have been used for
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many years, such as lecture-style presentations, reading assignments, written reflections or discussions, and literary analysis. The site writes that students in traditional literature classes concentrate on deciphering text mechanics such as narrative, characters, and themes. Traditional literature programs are deeply rooted in the humanities, with the premise that great writing may disclose fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs stress class debates and analytical essay writing, with the goal of developing critical thinking, communication skills, and a refined taste and ethos in students.
Strengths of traditional methods
Traditional methods of teaching literature provide students with a foundational understanding of literary concepts. They offer opportunities for students to engage with the text and contribute to class discussions. One of the strengths of traditional methods of teaching literature is their ability to develop critical thinking skills in students. As Kaya (2019)[6] notes, "Traditional literature methods promote students' ability to analyze and evaluate the narrative of a story to understand its underlying message effectively." This is achieved by engaging students in close reading, which involves a careful analysis of the text, the identification of themes and motifs, and an exploration of literary language features such as figurative language and symbolism. Close reading is best achieved through traditional teaching methods such as class discussions and group activities where students can share their opinions and interpretations and the teacher can provide guidance. Traditional methods are also relatively easy to implement, requiring only a teacher, some reading materials, and a classroom.
Limitations of traditional methods
Despite their strengths, traditional methods might not effectively engage students or prepare them for future needs. The author of the article "Disadvantages of Traditional Classroom Training" IAM JAEBI (n.d.)[7], counted drawbacks of traditional methods such as "Lacks Student Focused Learning", "Lacks Emphasis on Critical Thinking", "Lacks Process Oriented Learning", "Lacks Emphasis on Larger Concepts or Structures" and many others. IAM JAEBI mentioned that they can be passive, focusing on rote memorization of literary concepts. Traditional methods also tend to be linear and sequential in nature, which can be problematic in complex or dynamic situations. These methods assume that problems can be solved in a step-by-step manner and that the outcome of each step is predictable (Taleb, 2007)[8]. However, complex problems often involve interdependencies and uncertainty, which can make linear approaches ineffective. Moreover, they may not promote critical thinking or active
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engagement with the text. Traditional methods may also not be as effective in teaching students about different cultures or perspectives.
3. Modern methods of teaching literature
Modern methods of teaching literature have evolved over the years as advancements in technology and changes in educational theories have influenced the approach that teachers take in the classroom. The use of technology, modern approaches, and methods in particular has had a significant impact on how literature is taught today. Modern methods of teaching literature include the use of technology, project-based learning, creative writing, and other experiential learning strategies. These methods aim to promote critical thinking, active engagement, and a deeper understanding of the text. The website "UOW MALAYSIA" (2021)[9] writes about the importance of teaching literature in modern methods; modern schooling encourages us to provide novel notions and ideas. Various modern educational systems aim to promote creativity and innovative thinking. It pushes pupils to think beyond the box and generate novel concepts. As a result, modern education is littered with electronic gadgets that enable students to express their inventiveness and originality.
Advantages of modern methods
Hrinak (2021)[10] writes that modern methods of teaching literature provide students with opportunities to engage with the text in meaningful ways, promoting creativity and critical thinking. They take into consideration multiple cultural perspectives and diverse ideas. Modern methods also help students acquire technology skills and learn new media and digital literacy skills, such as the use of multimedia tools. Multimedia tools such as videos, audios, and animations may help students visualize the story and characters, making it easier for them to understand and remember. For instance, according to a study conducted by Mohamad Subaidi and Azlina Abdul Aziz (2020)[11], who thought that multimedia tools help students comprehend the story better and retain the information for a longer period of time. Another advantage of modern methods in teaching literature is the use of online resources. Online resources such as e-books, online libraries, and literature websites provide students with access to a diverse selection of materials that can enrich their learning experience. With online resources, students can easily access materials outside the classroom, enabling them to learn at their own pace and convenience. A study conducted by Muhammad (2022)[12] found that online resources can help improve reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
4. The role of technology in modern methods of
teaching literature
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Technology can play a significant role in modern methods of teaching literature. Digital tools and multimedia can be used to supplement traditional teaching strategies, offering avenues for creativity and exploration. Technological innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as Chat GPT, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and virtual reality also provide opportunities for increased access to diverse sources of literature. In the article "Modern Technologies in Teaching Literature," the scholar Milena Skobo (2020)[13] gives an example. She states that when new media such as video games, graphic novels, interactive hypertexts, language platforms, or digital tools are employed in the classroom to teach literature, students are encouraged to think critically. As D. Spencer (2015)[14] points out in his blog post about the use of technology in teaching literature, teaching a traditional literary text can also go hand in hand with its newer media reinterpretation. He uses the game called "choose your own adventure-style" based on Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet, "To Be or Not to Be".
5. Comparison between traditional and modern methods of teaching literature
Traditional methods rely on passive learning strategies such as lecture-style presentations, reading assignments, and written reflections or discussions. Based on the article on the website "Stephen Perse" (2017)[15], the traditional education approach, often known as back-to-basics education, is still extensively used in schools. Recitation is used, in which pupils sit in silence while one student reads out the task. Traditional approaches ensure that students are rewarded for their accomplishments, that they make the most of their class time, and that they follow strict guidelines control their behavior. In traditional methods of teaching, a teacher serves as the main source of information. Memorization, taking notes, and rote learning are prioritized in this approach. Students are expected to take notes and memorize the information presented by the teacher when they speak on the subject.
Incorporating modern methods into education has been proven beneficial in enhancing students' learning experiences and outcomes. As stated in the article named"A Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Traditional and Modern Teaching Methods" by Wang (2022)[16], modern methods of teaching literature utilize various experiential learning strategies and technology applications to promote active engagement and creativity for students. However, Wang also says, "In modern classrooms, teachers will put every knowledge point within PowerPoint, which leads some students to think they can just review PPT instead of taking notes". Furthermore, when instructors are expected to successfully integrate these new technologies and pedagogies into their
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teaching methods, problems occur. Johnson et al. (2018)[17] outlined a number of difficulties that instructors may face while introducing new methodologies into the classroom. Referencing the article "Challenges and Solutions when Using Technologies in the Classroom" it was identified that one of the primary difficulties is resistance to change. Many educators have been teaching for years using traditional methods, and finding motivation to learn and integrate new technologies may become a daunting task. This resistance may arise from their lack of competence or confidence in using technology or the fear of losing control over the learning process. In some cases, educators may also be worried about possible pushback from parents or other stakeholders, making them apprehensive about adopting modern methods and techniques.
Conclusion
This article highlights the purpose of literature, the differences between traditional and modern methods of teaching literature, and the role of technology in literacy instruction. Modern methods of teaching literature provide opportunities for students to engage with the text in meaningful ways and promote critical thinking skills and cultural awareness. Incorporating technology into literary instruction can help teachers personalize learning and help students develop skills relevant to the modern workplace. However, the implementation of modern methods may be limited by challenges including teacher training, a lack of resources, and curriculum limitations. Further research should explore these challenges and potential solutions for developing more effective approaches to teaching literature that are in line with modern innovation and creativity.
REFERENCES
1. A quote by William Faulkner. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/39009-read-read-read-read-evervthing—trash-classics-good-and
2. The Academy: Foundation, Fundaments of Literature and Drama., (n.d). History of English as a Discipline. Retrieved from: https://resource.acu.edu.au/siryan/Academy/Foundation/English As Discipline.htm# :~:text=In%20the%20English%2Dspeaking%20world,dislocated%20from%20everyd ay%20social%20life.
3. Brya, B. (2020). Why Do We Even Study Literature?. Retrieved from: https://brya-bromfield.medium.com/why-do-we-even-study-literature-90d7f0a03fec
4. Paul, J. (2022). Why Literature Is Important. Retrieved from: https://brilliantio.com/why-literature-is-important/
5. Our Kids. (n.d.). Approaches to literature education. Retrieved from: https: //www.ourkids. net/school/literature-
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7. IAM, J. (n.d.). Disadvantages of Traditional Classroom Training. Retrieved from: https://classroom.synonym.com/disadvantages-traditional-classroom-training-7866705.html
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10. Hrinak, J. (2021). Teaching Literature Online. Literature in Contemporary Education (A. Pokrivcak, et al.), 55-73.
11. Subaidi bin Abdul Samat, M., & Aziz, A. A. (2020). The effectiveness of multimedia learning in enhancing reading comprehension among indigenous pupils. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume, 11.
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