Short fiction, which includes short stories, short dramas, urban legends, and slam poetry, has unique features that make it very valuable for the EFL classroom. Short fiction texts are (obviously) short, have simple plots, few characters, but are still open for interpretation, which allows students to easily connect with this literature. By adding suitable pre-, while- and post-reading activities to literary shorts, students can practice their reading, listening, speaking, writing and intercultural skills.
The seminar discusses how teachers can effectively employ short fiction in the EFL classroom. We will look at both didactic background readings and specific EFL lesson models. Participants will contribute a Micro-Teaching-Unit, in which they apply this knowledge, try out different teaching methods, and receive feedback and suggestions on their teaching. Through this hands-on approach, participants gain practical experience in planning effective short fiction lessons. We will also read selected literary shorts (i.e., short stories, short dramas, urban legends, slam poetry) that can be used EFL classrooms with younger and older students.