International Journal of Language & Literature

“A Glimpse on the Re-Introduction of English Literature in Malaysian Secondary Schools”
Ashairi Suliman, Melor Md Yunus

Abstract
English Literature in Malaysian Secondary Schools context has evolved from being a core part of the English Language curriculum to a point of near-extinction only to re-emerge in the twenty-first century in a stronger form. English Literature is aimed at developing language proficiency and nurturing the love for reading in Malaysian education system. In August 2012, the Minister of Education has announced the reintroduction of English Literature subject in secondary schools, aiming at improving the education system. This has invited streams of mixed responses from various parties. Therefore, this study functions as the platform to provide an insight on the level of readiness among the English teachers, in terms of their pedagogical skills, proposed activities and attitudes towards Literature. With that, 320 English teachers in Sarawak, Malaysia were given questionnaires and 32 of them were interviewed to validate the findings. SPSS Version 21 was utilised to generate the findings. The results indicated their high level of readiness in teaching Literature as a subject though almost half of the respondents were not aware and ready of the proclamation. Hence, it shows that teachers are aspired to act as the catalysts in working towards the improvement of Malaysia English Education.

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