This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
As a student of English and Literature at Moi University, Biko Iruti highlights the significance of literature in the classroom.
Teachers of literature are tasked with selecting texts that suit their learners, allowing them to analyse, internalise, and appreciate the beauty of literature.
For effective selection, a teacher should be widely read, well-exposed, and familiar with various genres of literature, including popular and classical works.
These texts not only convey artistic qualities but also express life, truth, and beauty, as seen in the works of William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and J K Rowling.
By being well-read, a teacher can understand and appreciate the diverse cultures of their students, fostering empathy and critical thinking skills.
Literature also enhances a teacher's knowledge and understanding of the world, enabling them to tackle different areas of life and employ their basic human capacity to address humanity.
Moreover, a widely read teacher of literature is equipped to address humanity, accommodate spontaneous behaviour, and view the world in a different light.
As Biko Iruti notes, works of literature keep history alive, allowing teachers to experience the past as if it is happening in the present.
Published on December 9, 2019.
