Nedainova T. B. Is Secondary School Literature Education going though a Crisis?

DOI: 10.12958/EPS.4(159).Nedainova_T_B

Nedainova Т. B., Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, World Literature Department, Honored Professor, Luhans’k Taras Shevchenko National University.

Abstract
The article draws the attention to the crisis in the literary education of secondary school students, the existence of which has been proved in numerous research studies. The author believes that, over the past years, a new type of reader, characterized by the pragmatic attitude to reading and low reader’s independence, has emerged. At the same time, nowadays readers have complete freedom to choose what material to read (technical, medical, political literature, etc.). This leads to the conclusion that the crisis is not so much about reading in general, but about reading classical literature.
Among the forms and methods that can be effective in engaging students to reading classical literature and maintaining positive reading self-image are designing individual educational pathways for students-readers (which accommodate student’s interests and needs), establishing epi-disciplinary educational programs, etc. Reviving family reading traditions is also beneficial in this regard, contributing to the establishment of the spiritual bond among family members.
The author believes that reading should be seen as part of a broader social agenda. Therefore, not only schoolteachers or librarians should be expected to act toward it, but also families, social institutions and organizations.

Key words: reading culture, individual educational pathway of a student-reader, family reading traditions, students’ literary development, overall cultural development.

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