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The effectiveness of using local literature as parallel texts for the introduction of a Shakespearean play in a secondary school English class
Author
Sucillia Sukiman
Supervisor
Whitehead, Angus
Liew, Warren Mark Cheng Yi
Abstract
The goal of this study is to explore the extent to which the use of “parallel local texts” can serve as an effective pedagogical strategy in the Singapore literature classroom. The intent of this exercise is the detailed exploration of and reflection on deployment of a parallel local text to introduce a Shakespearean play and its themes, as well as help to enhance students’ depth of understanding of that play. Framed in local Singaporean settings and situations, these “parallel texts” present a potential narrative and thematic parallels to the Shakespeare plays in ways that might appeal more readily to the interests of local students. The study is informed by a desire to understand how local students’ learning needs and learning styles might be met and enhanced through the use of such parallel local texts. The study’s data derives from the researcher’s participant observations as a teacher of a class of forty Secondary Three Express students over one school term, as well as samples of students’ work generated during these lessons. By analysing students’ creative and expository writing as well as qualitative data in the form of student feedback, the study seeks to understand the ways in which the use of “parallel local texts” could increase students’ motivation and confidence in approaching Shakespeare’s plays. How practically effective this “culturally responsive pedagogy”, and its potential to be pedagogically effective, may ultimately prove in other classes that have not been included in this study, given the constraints of the official curriculum and the pressures of high-stakes examinations such as the GCE O Level, is a question that this study will consider in its conclusion.
Date Issued
2016
Call Number
PR51.S55 Suc
Date Submitted
2016