Problems encountered in the study of literature: case study of the final year TESL students in an institution of higher learning in Sarawak / Imor Langgu

Ideally, literature is seen as an appropriate vehicle in language learning as it develops the four major language skills; speaking, listening, reading and writing. In addition to that, the study of literature is also essential for developing deeper understanding in the humanistic aspects. This study aimed to elicit 1) the possible problems the final year TESL students faced while studying the ten literature courses, 2) the strategies they had employed to overcome their problems in studying literature; and 3) recommendations which could benefit future TESL students and educators concerned. The study was conducted with 19 final Year TESL students of an institution of higher learning in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak and was carried out in two phases corresponding to the three objectives. In phase 1 the students were asked to answer a questionnaire. Phase II, 10 students were interviewed by telephone randomly to elicit more reliable answers from the respondents. Results indicated that the final Year TESL students had indeed faced some problems in studying literature, mainly due to low English proficiency. Majority admitted they had employed various strategies to overcome their problems. Results are discussed in terms of implications for teaching, learning and future research.