Since I'm new to this discussion board, I'll first introduce myself: I'm a graduate student in the TESOL program at UMCP, with the goal of teaching English to adult immigrants.  I'm very interested in using literature (poetry, novellas, plays, folktales, myths, novels...) in teaching adult ELLs.  And, I'm currently writing a paper on the topic.

I have several "burning" questions for anyone who's had experience with this approach, and would greatly appreciate any insights you might have.

Here's some background: I'm interested in using literature aesthetically (rather than efferently) in teaching ESL adults.  In other words, I want to share my passion for literature with my students -- to engage them in the literary process (interacting with the literature, and thinking about how it applies to their own life experiences) -- not use it merely to teach grammar.  It's important to me that literature be used appropriately in the classroom... the way the authors intended it to be used.  I'm also very interested in how culture plays a (huge) role in literature... and how a teacher can take advantage of this and use literature to not only teach English, but also to promote cultural awareness (of different cultures, as well as those of the students) and sensitivity in the classroom.

As part of my research paper, I'm required to interview a teacher who has (or has had) experience with teaching literature to adult ESL students.  You may have taught literature aesthetically or efferently, or both.  That's fine.  I'd like to hear about your experiences.  Below are my questions:

1) What has worked for you in using literature to teach ESL adults?  What hasn't?  Why?

2) Have you had any difficulty motivating and engaging adults in learning English through literature?

3) Is a certain level of English language proficiency necessary before using literature in the adult classroom?  Is it possible to use literature with low level students?  

4) If you've used literature with low level adult students, what has worked and what hasn't?

5) Do you have any literature lesson plan ideas for adults (at any level) that have especially worked for you?

6) In your opinion, are there any circumstances in which using literature for ESL adults isn't recommended?

7) How would you respond to the criticism that teaching literature is impractical for adults?  (Common gripes: "ESL adults need to learn English to survive... literature is 'fluff' and useless...   adults are too busy to sit around and discuss literature... in the time they *do* have, they should be learning practical English.")

A lot of questions, I know.  If you haven't the time to answer all of them, I'm *most* interested in questions 2, 5, 6, and 7.  

I look forward to reading your comments!

Thanks so much,

Gina Verbrugge
Graduate Student
University of Maryland, College Park
ginabina2u at verizon.net