Investigating the factors influencing students’ lower preference in selecting English literature in grade 10 in government schools in Sri Lanka

Abstract

English literature is introduced as an optional subject in grade 10 according to school curriculum in Sri Lanka. However, a few numbers of students only prefer English literature in grade 10. This study aimed at investigating the factors influencing students’ lower preference in selecting English literature in grade 10 in three selected schools in Kinniya Education Zone, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. This study was a descriptive survey research and mixed approach was applied in data collection and data analysis. In this study, 120 grade 10 students from the selected schools, 5 English teachers, an ADE – English and an ISA – English in Kinniya Education Zone were selected as sample size. The primary data were collected using a questionnaire and a structured interview. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative methods were chosen in data collection. The results-based conclusions show that only a few numbers of students prefer to select English literature in grade 10 in the selected schools in every academic year. Although less than 5 students selected English literature every year, the results production in the GCE (O/L) examination was lower. According to participants’ opinion survey, there were several factors influencing students’ lower preference in selecting the English literature which include: students’ lack of sufficient English language proficiency, lack of interest and motivation, fear of losing results in the GCE (O/L) examination, negative attitude that English literature is a difficult subject and lack of competent English teachers.