Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v20i0.2216
The (Lack of) Freedom in Choosing Literary Works and the Problem Approach to Literature Interpretation in Required Reading Lessons ed reading
Marinko Lazzarich
orcid.org/0000-0003-1401-9610
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Teacher Education
Abstract
The fundamental task of reading material is to train young readers in aesthetic communication with literary works. The freedom of choice essentially determines a student's attitude toward reading; one should therefore reflect upon the effectiveness of planning and implementation of the existing teaching programs. Literature teaching programs allow for a creative approach to literary works, with the implementation based on principles of modernity and comparability applicable in the higher grades of elementary school. The paper presents the results of a survey conducted among Croatian language teachers from elementary schools in three counties, indicating the need for a change in the existing educational paradigms.
The recently awarded novel titled “Dear Oliver” (“Dragi Olivere”, 2012), written by Croatian novelist Mirjana Mrkela, provides a stimulating literary template for an examination of a possibility of combining elective reading and a problem-solving educational curriculum. The Dickens-inspired epistolary novel is a Croatian black-humor version of Oliver Twist. True poetological links are established with Dickens' work as Mirjana Mrkela develops interliterary dialogue and draws parallels between the 19th century and contemporary Croatian reality. With the aim of strengthening the analytical competence of young readers, the author of this paper offers a model for the teaching methodology interpretation of the novel in teaching literature to seventh grade students. In the problem-solving educational approach, students acquire an active role and develop their creative potential along with critical thinking skills. The novel, rich with elements of child activism and adventures, can positively influence children's literary education.
Keywords
children's literature; principle of contemporaneity; problem-oriented learning; required reading; classroom interpretation.
Hrčak ID:
214279
URI
Publication date:
30.10.2018.
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