Teaching English language arts (ELA) in ESL classes: integrating literature, poetry, and drama for language development

Abstract

Language teaching is a complex and dynamic process that requires a lot of effort in lesson planning with the integration of various innovative methods into the classroom. The pursuit of the best approaches for teaching EFL has been the focus of English experts in recent years as these elements continually evolve and shape literacy practices, positively affecting both the content and instruction within the English language arts classroom. This article investigates the integration of drama, poetry, and literature elements from English Language Arts (ELA) into EFL instruction for elementary students. It explores how ELA integration can enhance students’ communicative competence, critical thinking, creativity, and expressive language use. 

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Urazmetova , A., & Satibaldiev, E. (2024). Teaching English language arts (ELA) in ESL classes: integrating literature, poetry, and drama for language development. Topical Issues of Language Training in the Globalized World, 1(1). Retrieved from https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/issues-language-training/article/view/33139
Aygerim Urazmetova , Uzbek state world languages university
Student
Erkinjon Satibaldiev, Uzbek state world languages university
Teacher of the department of teaching English methodology №3
Crossref
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Scopus
Scopus

Abstract

Language teaching is a complex and dynamic process that requires a lot of effort in lesson planning with the integration of various innovative methods into the classroom. The pursuit of the best approaches for teaching EFL has been the focus of English experts in recent years as these elements continually evolve and shape literacy practices, positively affecting both the content and instruction within the English language arts classroom. This article investigates the integration of drama, poetry, and literature elements from English Language Arts (ELA) into EFL instruction for elementary students. It explores how ELA integration can enhance students’ communicative competence, critical thinking, creativity, and expressive language use. 


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Conclusion

Multilingual education is more than just an academic program; it is a vital tool

that equips individuals to thrive in and contribute to a global society. By fostering

bilingualism and intercultural competence, this educational approach enriches

individuals’ lives and enhances societal well

-being. As the world grows more

interconnected, the importance of multilingual education in promoting global

understanding and cooperation cannot be overstated. The future of global education

will increasingly depend on our ability integrate multiple languages and cultures

seamlessly into our learning environments.

References

1.Bennett, M. J. (2017). Development model of intercultural sensitivity. In Kim, Y.
(Ed.), International Encyclopedia of Intercultural Communication. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
2. Bialystok E, Craik FI, Luk G. Bilingualism: Consequences for mind and brain. Trends in Cognitive
Sciences. 2012;16(4):240

250. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]

3 .Braj B. Kachru

Annual Review of Applied Linguistics , Volume 1 , March 1980 , pp. 2 - 18

4 .Byram, M. (1997). Model of Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) Müller

- Hartmann,

Andreas / Schocker-von Ditfurth; Marita (2007). Introduction to English Language Teaching.
Stuttgart:
Klett. https://euic.uic.es/pluginfile.php/1084399/mod_resource/content/1/byram_icc_model.pdf
5. Marian V, Spivey M. Bilingual and monolingual processing of competing lexical items. Applied
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193. [Google Scholar]


TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA) IN ESL CLASSES:

INTEGRATING LITERATURE, POETRY, AND DRAMA FOR LANGUAGE

DEVELOPMENT

Urazmetova Aygerim,

Student

UzSWLU

Scientific supervisor: Satibaldiyev Erkinjon,

UzSWLU

Abstract

Language teaching is a complex and dynamic process that requires a lot of effort in lesson

planning with the integration of various innovative methods into the classroom. The pursuit of the
best approaches for teaching EFL has been the focus of English experts in recent years as these
elements continually evolve and shape literacy practices, positively affecting both the content and
instruction within the English language arts classroom. This article investigates the integration of
drama, poetry, and literature elements from English Language Arts (ELA) into EFL instruction for
elementary students. It explores how ELA integration can enhance students

communicative

competence, critical thinking, creativity, and expressive language use.

Keywords:

ELA, authentic materials, drama, poetry, literature, Personal Growth Model


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Introduction

Language, our universal tool for communication is a phenomenon that

connects ideas, knowledge, and culture. The progress of humanity throughout history

has been closely tied to the way we communicate. English, as an international

language, plays an important role in this way by bringing people together and fostering

connections between nations. In the absence of effective language communication, the

current level of global interconnections and shared understanding would remain

unattainable. Therefore, English is not only as a practical means of communication but

also as a catalyst for cultural exchange and collaboration across nations (Kachru,

1985). Nowadays, English language training has become overspread, and main focus

is directed to improving four skills that are speaking, reading, writing and listening.

One way of integrating these four skills is Teaching English Language Arts

(ELA), which includes literature, drama, and poetry. In the domain of English

language teaching, the approach involves the integration of English Language Arts

(ELA) into ESL and EFL classes (Cummins, 2000).

Literature review

The historical trajectory of integrating literature into language teaching is rich

and complex. Schmitt and Rodgers (2002) note the longstanding use of British

Literature in non-English speaking countries which aimed to expose students to

different civilizations and cultures. However, dissenting voices, such as Topping

(1968), argued against the inclusion of literature due to its perceived complexity and

lack of connection with standard grammar. As a result, integration of the literature

has been disregarded for many years, and traditional methods outnumbered in

curriculum. Despite this, scholars like Widdowson (2014), Brumfit and Carter (1986),

and others have advocated for the integration of ELA into language teaching,

highlighting its potential for enhancing language learning outcomes.

Various theoretical frameworks and teaching models have been proposed to

guide the integration of ELA components into language instruction. Carter and Long


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(1991) present the Cultural Model, Language Model, and Personal Growth Model,

providing valuable insights into different approaches to ELA integration. Additionally,

Maley (1989a) discusses the role of literature in promoting critical thinking and

empathy among language learners while Van (2016) offers practical strategies for

incorporating drama and role-playing activities into language classrooms,

enhancing students

communicative competence and confidence.

Poetry, often overlooked in language teaching, holds immense potential for

enhancing language proficiency and creativity. Despite historical misconceptions

about its effectiveness, researchers like Arthur (1968) and Khansir (2012) argue for its

inclusion

in

language

classrooms. Teaching

poetry not

only enriches students

vocabulary and literary language but also fosters their ability

to express themselves poetically, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of the

language. Similarly, drama is seen as a great tool for active communication, creativity,

and personal development. Through role-play, mime, simulation, scripted plays, and

improvisation, students not only practice language in meaningful contexts but

also develop essential life skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and self-

confidence.

Methodology, discussions and findings

The study aimed to identify effective practices for integrating English

Language Arts (ELA) into EFL teaching, particularly focusing on the use of authentic

materials and their impact on elementary-level students. The experiment involved 16

students split equally between control and experimental groups, and the participants

were primarily in grades 5-7. Using quantitative research method,both groups

underwent the same pretest, with the experimental group exposed to

Roald Dahl

s

George

s Marvelous Medicine

while the control group received

traditional instruction. Activities such as reading aloud, crafting poetry, and role-

playing improved their confidence, expressive language use, and skimming skills.

While the control group also engaged with the material, their experience lacked


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immersion in an authentic environment, resulting in less active participation. Main

findings are as follows:

Authentic language use

As the literary material is not tailored to the level of the student, it

elaborately combines the elements of authentic language usage, motivating students to

learn more useful vocabulary in everyday contexts. Compared to traditional classroom

settings, where artificial classroom situations remain, students can enjoy the original

material and discover new ideas, phrases, and word combinations that boost their

confidence in further settings.

Expressive language use

One of the models of Carter and Long (1991), the Personal Growth

Model which directs attention to the nuanced use of language within texts and specific

cultural contexts was applied. After each chapter, students discussed the main theme

and wrote their ideas on the actions of characters in the book, which later on showed

positive

outcomes

in

their

ability

to

express

ideas.

Exchanging

different perspectives, and debating over critical analysis of the plot enabled the

students to deliver thoughts expressively and think in the target language. As for the

creative side, as a group and individual task, students crafted poems with the help of

target vocabulary.

Understanding the main theme

Norton (2009) asserts that reading novels can facilitate the meaning-making

process of students. Even though students cannot understand some words in the

text which is inevitable in elementary classrooms, after reading more, they developed

skimming techniques and learned to grasp the main idea of the text.

Conclusion

The application of ELA components into language teaching offers a

comprehensive approach to language instruction, fostering language proficiency,

cultural understanding, and critical thinking skills. The inclusion of literature in ESL

and EFL classes goes beyond improving language skills; it becomes a tool for learners


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to learn about diverse cultures, historical contexts, and varied perspectives. By drawing

on historical perspectives, theoretical frameworks, and practical insights, educators can

develop engaging and interactive methodologies that empower students to become

fluent and culturally competent communicators in English.

References

1.

Arthur, B. (1968). READING LITERATURE AND LFARNING A SECOND

LANGUAGE 1.

Language learning

,

18

(3‐4), 199

-210.

2.

Cummins, I. (2000).

Languages, power, and pedagogy: Bilingual children in the

crossfire

. Clevedon, England: Multilingual Matters.

3.

Brumfit, C. J. and Carter, R. A. (1986).

Literature and Language Teaching

. Oxford:

Oxford University Press.

4.

Khansir, A. A. (2012). Teaching poetry in the ELT classroom.

International review of

social sciences and humanities

,

3

(1), 241-245.

5.

Maley, A. (1989). Down from the Pedestal: Literature as Resource. In Literature and the

Learner: Methodological Approaches.

Cambridge: Modern English Publication

6.

Norton, B. (2009).

Meaning-making and language learning

. Multilingual Matters.

7.

Schmitt, N., & Rodgers, T. (2002). A review of recent research in second language

acquisition: Focus on English.

Language Teaching,

35(2), 101-120.

8.

Topping, D. M. (1968). Linguistics or literature: an approach to language. TESOL

Quarterly, 2 (2), 95-100.

9.

Widdowson, H. (1982). The Use of Literature. In M. Hines and W. Rutherford (ed.). On

TESOL 81.Washington, D.C.: TESOL

10.

Van, T. (2009). The relevance of literary analysis to teaching literature in the EFL

classroom.

English Teaching Forum 2-9 (3)



SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION AS A MEANS OF DEVELOPING

SPEAKING SKILLS

Saidova Gulyora,

Senior teacher

UzSWLU

Urunbaeva Sharifa,

MA student

UzSWLU

Abstract

This article discusses simultaneous translation as a means of developing oral

communication skills. Simultaneous translation not only helps to overcome language barriers but
also serves as a powerful tool for developing oral communication skills. During simultaneous
translation, participants learn to quickly switch attention between two languages, which improves
multitasking and concentration. Additionally, simultaneous translation requires a deep

References

Arthur, B. (1968). READING LITERATURE AND LFARNING A SECOND LANGUAGE 1. Language learning, 18(3‐4), 199-210.

Cummins, I. (2000). Languages, power, and pedagogy: Bilingual children in the crossfire. Clevedon, England: Multilingual Matters.

Brumfit, C. J. and Carter, R. A. (1986). Literature and Language Teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Khansir, A. A. (2012). Teaching poetry in the ELT classroom. International review of social sciences and humanities, 3(1), 241-245.

Maley, A. (1989). Down from the Pedestal: Literature as Resource. In Literature and the Learner: Methodological Approaches. Cambridge: Modern English Publication

Norton, B. (2009). Meaning-making and language learning. Multilingual Matters.

Schmitt, N., & Rodgers, T. (2002). A review of recent research in second language acquisition: Focus on English. Language Teaching, 35(2), 101-120.

Topping, D. M. (1968). Linguistics or literature: an approach to language. TESOL Quarterly, 2 (2), 95-100.

Widdowson, H. (1982). The Use of Literature. In M. Hines and W. Rutherford (ed.). On TESOL 81.Washington, D.C.: TESOL

Van, T. (2009). The relevance of literary analysis to teaching literature in the EFL classroom. English Teaching Forum 2-9 (3)