Raising EFL Learners’ Motivation to Study Literature through the Personal-response Approach:

Abstract

This research aims to explore the potential effect of the personal-response approach on students' motivation to study literature. Mainly, this research explores students' perspectives and experiences regarding their motivation level and the role of personal connections with literature in fostering their engagement and interest. Hence, it is hypothesized that the personal-response approach to the teaching of literature could enhance EFL learners’ motivation to study the module. To test the hypothesis, the quantitative descriptive method was adopted through the administration of an online questionnaire to First-year Master students at the department of English, 8 May 1945 University-Guelma. The findings highlighted the significance of personal connections with literature in motivating students to study it. Additionally, the study revealed that the personal-response approach holds promise as an effective teaching method, as it allows students to connect their personal experiences and perspectives with the literature, fostering a sense of relatability and engagement, thus stimulating their intrinsic motivation.