Literary awareness of national writers among ecuadorian high school teenagers.

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a study made among teenagers regarding local literature awareness in an attempt to put forward a proposal, (developed in English for teaching critical thinking through reading practices), of interactive teaching methods to increasing awareness and appreciation of Ecuadorian literature among the population already mentioned (teenagers from 14 to 18 years old in Guayaquil). Through a descriptive and exploratory approach, the researchers examined the current disconnection between teenage students and national literature, analyzing data collected from a survey given to students in upper secondary education. The questionnaire sought to understand the direct and indirect factors that led teenagers to feel a lack of knowledge and/or interest in Ecuadorian literature. Findings indicate that the students strongly prefer interactive learning experiences, particularly through web-based platforms. Beyond this aspect of motivation, other aspects that can be influential at the time of learning about Ecuadorian literature and renowned authors were also analyzed. A website was created with the purpose of providing engaging access to author biographies, literary extracts and contentbased activities. The platform combines multimedia presentations, games, quizzes and creative writing activities. All the contents displayed are intended to enhance the learning experience of the students as well as to contribute to the appreciation and acknowledgment of the legacy of Ecuadorian literature.