Using novels in the language classroom at Hebron University / Rasha Nabeel Siaj and Mohammed A A Farrah

This quantitative and qualitative paper investigated the use of novels in the EFL classroom. It
examined students’ attitudes towards using novels in the EFL classroom; evaluated the
advantages of using novels and whether they motivate students, develop their linguistic level,
and enrich their cultural knowledge. Moreover, it identified certain problems that students may
face in the process of learning novels in the EFL classroom. A total of 56 students participated in
this study and responded to the questionnaire in the fall semester of 2015/2016 at Hebron
University, Palestine. In addition, the researchers interviewed three instructors teaching at the
English department. The findings of the questionnaire showed that students held positive
attitudes towards using novels in the EFL classes. Mainly, they agree that novels have a number
of advantages. For example, novels can motivate them, enrich their cultural knowledge, and
improve their language ability. The interview with instructors revealed advantages of using
novels and some challenge. Finally, researchers recommend that teachers keep using literature
in the language classrooms and students keep reading novels due to their benefits