Research Article

Literature Circle: A Strategy in Improving Critical Thinking Skills

Authors

  • Mary Nerissa T. Castro, MST University of Cebu, College of Teacher Education/SHS Department, Philippines

Abstract

Reading is the prime foundation of one’s academic and social status. However, this vital skill is what most students lack attention and interest. As a result, it deteriorates their critical thinking skills. To address the problem, Harvey Daniel introduced his literature circle strategy. It showcases different features that likely aid student’s struggles in the aspect of reading. This study, therefore, aims to determine the effectiveness of the literature circle strategy in improving critical thinking skills in reading among students at the University of Cebu-Banilad Campus. The study utilized a quasi-experimental method where the 48 ABM Grade 12 research subjects of the study were divided into two groups, namely: control and experimental. Strategies employed in these groups were different. The traditional method was practiced in the control group, while the literature circle strategy was implemented in the experimental group. For data gathering, a researcher-made test about the short story “Dead Stars” by Paz Marquez Benitez was used as the main instrument. Another short story entitled “The Small Key” by Paz Latorena was used as a springboard in the implementation of strategies for both groups. Statistical treatments used for data analysis were simple percent, t-test for Correlational Samples, and t-test for Two Independent Samples. Findings revealed that in measuring subjects’ critical thinking skills in reading, there is a significant difference between the posttest performances of the groups. The research subjects under experimental group performed higher than the control group. The study concludes that literature circle strategy is effective in enhancing student’s critical thinking skills in reading.

Article information

Journal

International Journal of English Language Studies

Volume (Issue)

3 (2)

Pages

65-85

Published

2021-02-27

How to Cite

Mary Nerissa T. Castro, MST. (2021). Literature Circle: A Strategy in Improving Critical Thinking Skills. International Journal of English Language Studies, 3(2), 65–85. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijels.2021.3.2.9

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Keywords:

Literature circle, improving critical thinking skills, quasi-experimental method, University of Cebu-Banilad