Assessing the learning of literature

Abstract

This paper will analyse the current systems of assessing literature in Maltese and English. In today's world, the humanities are generally considered "non-productive", in that they do not produce a specific commodity. We need to convince the general public that literature is useful, it is a unique subject and needs to be handled with care. Given that literature is also a subject taught in schools and on the syllabuses that eventually lead to public examination, we must not only inculcate a love for literature but also improve on present methods of assessment. Literature is currently assessed on matters relating to knowledge, understanding, interpretation and responsiveness. This paper will try to show how literature can be assessed without hindering the pleasures that one can enjoy in studying literature. After all literature uses language to examine life and present a world view. The paper will try to show that although literature is assessed, the active learning of literature will still sharpen the student's critical thinking and builds refined and mature communication skills essential to professional performance and social activity.