Using Facebook to teach English literature in Maltese secondary schools

Abstract

Social Networking Sites (SNSs) have become universally-adopted communication tools. This makes them potentially valuable resources in teaching and learning to enhance motivation and engagement, and to offer an increased sense of community between teachers and students, and also among students themselves. Shih (2011) suggests that the popularity of Facebook as a communication tool is ultimately what encouraged the students to be more motivated and to enjoy the learning process. This study presents and discusses the impact of a teaching and learning programme for English Literature at secondary level, through the use of SNSs, particularly, Facebook. Data was collected through semi-guided interviews, self-reflective journals and questionnaires. Results suggest that despite some voiced reservations on the part of the teachers, both teachers and students maintain a positive attitude towards the use of SNSs in an educational context. During the self-reflective process, the researcher also inferred that Facebook was able to generate motivation, real-life linkage for the students, empathy with the fictional character and an enjoyable classroom atmosphere.