Teaching literature with a specific emphasis on critical thinking : an interpretive investigation of student perceptions

The purpose of this study was to examine and interpret students' impressions and attitudes toward a study of literature which emphasized critical thinking. The following questions guided the inquiry: (a) How do students perceive the study of literature based on previous experience? (b) How does an emphasis on critical thinking affect students' feelings about the study of literature? (c) To what extent do students feel that an emphasis on critical thinking affects their approach to literature? Data were obtained through observations, interviews, and reading attitude assessments. All data were reviewed and interpreted in response to the questions posed. Themes were identified using triangulation procedures with particular attention to changes in impressions and attitudes over time