Student voice: A preliminary study in the teaching of English literature in secondary schools in the 21st Century in Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

Research in the teaching of literature in secondary schools in peninsula Malaysia has proliferated. However, little research has been done to explore student voice on the teaching and learning of literature in the state of Sabah. The present preliminary study investigated the methods adopted by English teachers in teaching literature in secondary schools and students’ modes of reading in urban areas, suburban areas and remote areas in Sabah. The findings are based on the analysis and interpretation of the data garnered from 112 first year ELL (English language learners) university students from a local institution of higher learning in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The findings revealed teachers’ most common teaching approach and the least favourite approach. The study underlines the importance of teachers’ choice of teaching methods and students’ reciprocal response in reading the prescribed text. Findings from the current work have implications for the teaching of literature in the ESL classrooms.