Literary texts selection for Malaysian lower secondary schools in Perak

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the selection of literary texts in Malaysian lower secondary schools. Literary text selection involves two factors, the text and the reader. As the study required in-depth knowledge on both the factors, the research design includes quantitative and qualitative research methods. Research design includes quantitative and qualitative research methods. In the first phase of the study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted. A set of questionnaires containing 150 questions was distributed to 450 respondents from Form One to Form Three in five districts in Perak to address students' views on cultural familiarity of the texts, interest and motivation in reading literary texts, and physical features of the literary texts. In the second phase, six Form Two students participated in a retelling session to identify students' strengths and weaknesses in text comprehension. The findings from quantitative data showed positive results especially on cultural aspects. Students from Form One to Form Three understand the cultural aspects portrayed in the short stories. On the physical aspects of the literary texts, Form Two and Form Three students find the cover of their text book to be unattractive. In terms of students' preference of literary texts, Form One to Form Three students preferred reading foreign texts compared to Asian texts. As for the qualitative data, the session on retelling revealed the participants were able to relate main ideas and supporting details sequence the story line in order and understand text organization. The implication of the research indicates the literary texts selected, caters to Malaysian lower secondary students in Perak.