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ASSESSING IRAQI UNIVERSITY READERS' CRITICAL THINKING DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE USE READER RESPONSE STRATEGY IN THE INSTRUCTION OF SHAKESPEARE'S LITERARY TEXT
Corresponding Author(s) : Qaysar Abbas Abudlridha
Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews,
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2020): March
Abstract
Purpose: This study centers on the significant role of Reader Response theory in instruction literary text, this study also, affirms that there is a useful and progressive influence of the Reader-response strategy in the literary text to enhance and improve the level of EFL Iraqi learners’ critical thinking. This study proves that teaching literature, without Reader response strategies, the level of development of critical thinking becomes very passive and slow.
Methodology: The researcher used one group “pre-post-testâ€. The study was conducted at the English department, Faculty of Education in Iraq. This study was carried out for fifteen weeks. The researcher administered Cornell Class-Reasoning Test as a pre-test in week 4 while post-test in week 12.The researcher used non-probability convenient sampling because it was probably the most common of all sampling techniques in social sciences and the proximity of the samples to the researchers (Patton, 1990).This test was run twice with intensive interventions for five weeks implemented between the two tests.
Main Findings. Findings showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the EFL Iraqi learners' critical thinking skills between pre-test scores and post-test scores. There are statistically significant differences at the “p ≤ 0.05†level for the following item groups: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12. This study confirmed that participants significantly improved their level of critical thinking skills by implementing Reader- Response activities in teaching literary texts.
Implications: This study proposes applying the strategies of reader-response theory as an effective and encouraging concept or stimulating approach to enhance the level of recognition and appreciation of the texts in literature. This experiment could be a positive study and applicable to different educational centers to teach all the texts in English literature. This study helps instructors to change their old-style manners of instructions.
Novelty: The experiment focused on the vital and encouraging role of reader-response theory in fostering EFL Iraqi readers’ capacity to generate multi-layers of versions and meanings during reading literature. The study presents a helpful and successful manner to all the persons who work as teachers in educational systems. The study directs the instructors to follow the modern approaches in explaining the literary text to their learners instead of the old-style manner. EFL tutors should practice these strategies in EFL English classes of literature so that they could make the lecture full of activity and enjoyment throughout the interesting themes of literature.
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- Arslan, R. Ş., & Yildiz, N. (2012). Enhancing Critical Thinking at the Tertiary Level through a Literature-based Critical Thinking Program. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 21(2), 19-36.
- Al-Mahrooqi, R., & Denman, C. J. (2020). Assessing Students' Critical Thinking Skills in the Humanities and Sciences Colleges of a Middle Eastern University. International Journal of Instruction, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13150a DOI: https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13150a
- Alkhateeb, L. D. M. M. A. (2017). Culture and Critical Thinking Skills for Language Learners. AL-AMEED JOURNAL, 6(4), 126-140.
- Anderson, L. W., Krathwohl, D. R., & Bloom, B. S. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: a revision of Bloom’s taxonomy of educational objectives. New York: Longman.
- Arter, J. A., & Salmon, J. R. (1987). Assessing Higher Order Thinking Skills. A Consumer's Guide
- Bellour, M. L. (2013). Teaching Culture through Literature: A Reader-Response Approach. Journal of Al_Anbar University for Language and Literature, (9), 230-245.
- Campbell, D. T., & Stanley, J. C. (1969). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for research. Ravenio Books.
- Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: planning. Conducting, and Evaluating.
- Dawson, C. (2007). A practical guide to research methods: A user’s friendly manual for mastering research techniques and projects. How-To Books.
- Das, B. B. (2014). Literature–a Pedagogic Tool: a Defence. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention, 3(9), 10-18.
- Ennis, R. H. (1985). A logical basis for measuring critical thinking skills. Educational leadership, 43(2), 44-48.
- Ennis, R. (1967). Report Resumes. The report, 3(February), 312.
- Fisher, A. (2011). Critical thinking: An introduction. Cambridge University Press.
- Fisher, R. (1998). Stories for thinking: Developing critical literacy through the use of narrative. Analytic Teaching, 18(1).
- Fahim, M., & Hashtroodi, P. (2012). The Effect of Critical Thinking on Developing Argumentative Essays by Iranian EFL University Students. Journal of Language Teaching & Research, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.4304/jltr.3.4.632-638 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4304/jltr.3.4.632-638
- Ganiron Jr, T. U. (2014). Teaching styles of using English drama in a critical thinking course for architecture students at Qassim University. International Journal of Education and Learning, 3(2), 11-22. https://doi.org/10.14257/ijel.2014.3.2.02 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14257/ijel.2014.3.2.02
- Guo, M. (2013). Developing Critical Thinking in English Class: Culture-based Knowledge and Skills. Theory & Practice In Language Studies, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.4304/tpls.3.3.503-507 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4304/tpls.3.3.503-507
- Garzon, E., & Castenda H. (2015). Applying the Reader-Response Theory to Literary Texts in EFL-Pre-Service Teachers' Initial Education. English Language Teaching, 8(8), 187-198. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v8n8p187 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v8n8p187
- Halpern, D. F. (1999). Teaching for critical thinking: Helping college students develop the skills and dispositions of a critical thinker. New directions for teaching and learning, 1999(80), 69-74. https://doi.org/10.1002/tl.8005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tl.8005
- Ä°nan, D., & Boldan, M. (2018). Implementation of Reader-Response Theory in Teaching Short Story. The Literacy Trek, 4(2), 63-76.
- Kennedy, M., Fisher, M. B., & Ennis, R. H. (1991). Critical thinking: Literature review and needed research. Educational values and cognitive instruction: Implications for reform, 2, 11-40.
- Khatib, M., & Shakouri, N. (2013). Literature stance in developing critical thinking: A pedagogical look. International Journal of Research Studies in Language Learning, 2(4), 101-108. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsll.2012.154 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsll.2012.154
- Khatib, M., & Rahimi, A. H. (2012). Literature and language teaching. Journal of Academic and Applied Studies, 2(6), 32-38.
- Kohzadi, H., Azizmohammadi, F., & Samadi, F. (2014). Is there a relationship between critical thinking and critical reading of literary texts: A case study at Arak University (Iran). International Letters of Social and Humanities Sciences, 33(1), 63-76. https://doi.org/10.18052/www.scipress.com/ILSHS.33.63 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18052/www.scipress.com/ILSHS.33.63
- Lai, E. R. (2011). Critical thinking: A literature review. Pearson's Research Reports, 6, 40-41.
- Mehta, S. R., Al-Mahrooqi, R., Denman, C., & Al-Aghbari, K. (2018). Assessing Omani University Entrants' Critical Thinking Skills with the Cornell Class-Reasoning Test Form X. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 26(4).
- McPeck, J. E. (1981). Critical thinking and subject specificity: A reply to Ennis. Educational researcher, 19(4), 10-12. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X019004010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X019004010
- Qamar, F. (2016). Effectiveness of Critical Thinking Skills for English Literature Study with Reader Response Theory: Review of Literature. Journal of Arts and Humanities, 5(6), 37. https://doi.org/10.18533/journal.v5i6.961 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18533/journal.v5i6.961
- Patton, M. Q. (1990). Qualitative evaluation and research methods. SAGE Publications, Inc.
- Rahman, S. A., & Manaf, N. F. A. (2017). A Critical Analysis of Bloom's Taxonomy in Teaching Creative and Critical Thinking Skills in Malaysia through English Literature. English Language Teaching, 10(9), 245-256. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v10n9p245 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v10n9p245
- Stefanova, S., Bobkina, J., & Pérez, F. J. S. V. (2017). The effectiveness of teaching critical thinking skills through literature in EFL context: A case study in Spain. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, 6(6), 252-266. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.6n.6p.252 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.6n.6p.252
- Soiferman, L. K., & Straw, S. B. (2016). Reader Response to Literature in Early, Middle, and Senior High Classrooms. Online Submission.
- Spirovska, E. (2019). Reader-Response Theory and Approach: Application, Values, and Significance for Students in Literature Courses. SEEU Review, 14(1), 20-35. https://doi.org/10.2478/seeur-2019-0003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/seeur-2019-0003
- Tung, C. A., & Chang, S. Y. (2009). Developing critical thinking through literature reading. Feng Chia Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 19(3), 287-317.
- Tucker, L. P. (2000). Liberating students through reader-response pedagogy in the Introductory Literature Course. Teaching English in The Two Year College, 28(2), 199-206.
- Sternberg, R. J. (1986). Critical Thinking: Its Nature, Measurement, and Improvement.
References
Arslan, R. Ş., & Yildiz, N. (2012). Enhancing Critical Thinking at the Tertiary Level through a Literature-based Critical Thinking Program. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 21(2), 19-36.
Al-Mahrooqi, R., & Denman, C. J. (2020). Assessing Students' Critical Thinking Skills in the Humanities and Sciences Colleges of a Middle Eastern University. International Journal of Instruction, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13150a DOI: https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13150a
Alkhateeb, L. D. M. M. A. (2017). Culture and Critical Thinking Skills for Language Learners. AL-AMEED JOURNAL, 6(4), 126-140.
Anderson, L. W., Krathwohl, D. R., & Bloom, B. S. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: a revision of Bloom’s taxonomy of educational objectives. New York: Longman.
Arter, J. A., & Salmon, J. R. (1987). Assessing Higher Order Thinking Skills. A Consumer's Guide
Bellour, M. L. (2013). Teaching Culture through Literature: A Reader-Response Approach. Journal of Al_Anbar University for Language and Literature, (9), 230-245.
Campbell, D. T., & Stanley, J. C. (1969). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for research. Ravenio Books.
Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: planning. Conducting, and Evaluating.
Dawson, C. (2007). A practical guide to research methods: A user’s friendly manual for mastering research techniques and projects. How-To Books.
Das, B. B. (2014). Literature–a Pedagogic Tool: a Defence. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention, 3(9), 10-18.
Ennis, R. H. (1985). A logical basis for measuring critical thinking skills. Educational leadership, 43(2), 44-48.
Ennis, R. (1967). Report Resumes. The report, 3(February), 312.
Fisher, A. (2011). Critical thinking: An introduction. Cambridge University Press.
Fisher, R. (1998). Stories for thinking: Developing critical literacy through the use of narrative. Analytic Teaching, 18(1).
Fahim, M., & Hashtroodi, P. (2012). The Effect of Critical Thinking on Developing Argumentative Essays by Iranian EFL University Students. Journal of Language Teaching & Research, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.4304/jltr.3.4.632-638 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4304/jltr.3.4.632-638
Ganiron Jr, T. U. (2014). Teaching styles of using English drama in a critical thinking course for architecture students at Qassim University. International Journal of Education and Learning, 3(2), 11-22. https://doi.org/10.14257/ijel.2014.3.2.02 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14257/ijel.2014.3.2.02
Guo, M. (2013). Developing Critical Thinking in English Class: Culture-based Knowledge and Skills. Theory & Practice In Language Studies, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.4304/tpls.3.3.503-507 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4304/tpls.3.3.503-507
Garzon, E., & Castenda H. (2015). Applying the Reader-Response Theory to Literary Texts in EFL-Pre-Service Teachers' Initial Education. English Language Teaching, 8(8), 187-198. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v8n8p187 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v8n8p187
Halpern, D. F. (1999). Teaching for critical thinking: Helping college students develop the skills and dispositions of a critical thinker. New directions for teaching and learning, 1999(80), 69-74. https://doi.org/10.1002/tl.8005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tl.8005
Ä°nan, D., & Boldan, M. (2018). Implementation of Reader-Response Theory in Teaching Short Story. The Literacy Trek, 4(2), 63-76.
Kennedy, M., Fisher, M. B., & Ennis, R. H. (1991). Critical thinking: Literature review and needed research. Educational values and cognitive instruction: Implications for reform, 2, 11-40.
Khatib, M., & Shakouri, N. (2013). Literature stance in developing critical thinking: A pedagogical look. International Journal of Research Studies in Language Learning, 2(4), 101-108. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsll.2012.154 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsll.2012.154
Khatib, M., & Rahimi, A. H. (2012). Literature and language teaching. Journal of Academic and Applied Studies, 2(6), 32-38.
Kohzadi, H., Azizmohammadi, F., & Samadi, F. (2014). Is there a relationship between critical thinking and critical reading of literary texts: A case study at Arak University (Iran). International Letters of Social and Humanities Sciences, 33(1), 63-76. https://doi.org/10.18052/www.scipress.com/ILSHS.33.63 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18052/www.scipress.com/ILSHS.33.63
Lai, E. R. (2011). Critical thinking: A literature review. Pearson's Research Reports, 6, 40-41.
Mehta, S. R., Al-Mahrooqi, R., Denman, C., & Al-Aghbari, K. (2018). Assessing Omani University Entrants' Critical Thinking Skills with the Cornell Class-Reasoning Test Form X. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 26(4).
McPeck, J. E. (1981). Critical thinking and subject specificity: A reply to Ennis. Educational researcher, 19(4), 10-12. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X019004010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X019004010
Qamar, F. (2016). Effectiveness of Critical Thinking Skills for English Literature Study with Reader Response Theory: Review of Literature. Journal of Arts and Humanities, 5(6), 37. https://doi.org/10.18533/journal.v5i6.961 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18533/journal.v5i6.961
Patton, M. Q. (1990). Qualitative evaluation and research methods. SAGE Publications, Inc.
Rahman, S. A., & Manaf, N. F. A. (2017). A Critical Analysis of Bloom's Taxonomy in Teaching Creative and Critical Thinking Skills in Malaysia through English Literature. English Language Teaching, 10(9), 245-256. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v10n9p245 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v10n9p245
Stefanova, S., Bobkina, J., & Pérez, F. J. S. V. (2017). The effectiveness of teaching critical thinking skills through literature in EFL context: A case study in Spain. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, 6(6), 252-266. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.6n.6p.252 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.6n.6p.252
Soiferman, L. K., & Straw, S. B. (2016). Reader Response to Literature in Early, Middle, and Senior High Classrooms. Online Submission.
Spirovska, E. (2019). Reader-Response Theory and Approach: Application, Values, and Significance for Students in Literature Courses. SEEU Review, 14(1), 20-35. https://doi.org/10.2478/seeur-2019-0003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/seeur-2019-0003
Tung, C. A., & Chang, S. Y. (2009). Developing critical thinking through literature reading. Feng Chia Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 19(3), 287-317.
Tucker, L. P. (2000). Liberating students through reader-response pedagogy in the Introductory Literature Course. Teaching English in The Two Year College, 28(2), 199-206.
Sternberg, R. J. (1986). Critical Thinking: Its Nature, Measurement, and Improvement.