The Impact of Literature Circles on the Motivation of Turkish EFL Students towards Literature: An Evaluation of Teachers’ Perceptions

Abstract

This study aims to determine why teachers prefer implementing literature circles.  It also aims to discover if the literature circle helps students’ comprehension of literature and language and how it affects students’ attitudes towards reading through teachers’ perceptions. Along with the presence, implementation and effect of literature circles in education, processes and changes that students go through while taking part in the circles based on selected literary works were investigated. When the data gathered through interviews with circle teachers were analysed, it supported the view that use of literature circles clearly helps students to understand literature better by increasing their desire to read. Additionally, the view that students’ general attitudes towards reading change positively after taking part in the circles was supported by the results. The results also emphasized that students can develop better comprehension techniques in the circles which will enable them to use the literature for authentic and meaningful purposes.