I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen much love for poetry in language classrooms recently. It’s not exactly what you’d call popular. However, a systematic review of 40+ studies published in ResearchGate explores the potential benefits of poetry in ELT.
The Findings:
Linguistic Gains:
- Poetry improves vocabulary, grammar, & phonological awareness (e.g., recognizing stress patterns in poems like Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Moon).
- Creative writing based on poems nurtures critical thinking & fluency.
Cultural Awareness:
- Poems reveal cultural nuances. For instance, Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise addresses themes of historical injustice, personal empowerment & the enduring human spirit, fostering empathy.
- The study mentions Haikus, which, thanks to their simplicity & structured syllable patterns, introduce cultural nuances of Japanese tradition while practicing phonological stress.
- Culturally relevant poetry—like folk poems or works by local contemporary authors—can deepen learners’ connection to their heritage or introduce them to new cultures.
Emotional & Creative Boost:
- Reflecting on poetry fosters emotional intelligence. For example, interpreting themes of resilience in local poems or cultural celebrations in festival-based poetry can combine creativity with empathy.
How the Study Was Conducted:
The review analysed academic works from platforms like Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis, & Mendeley [platforms are often used in systematic reviews like this one as they provide access to robust and diverse research databases], focusing on the linguistic & aesthetic impact of poetry in ELT. Studies were selected based on their relevance to language teaching.
Challenges:
- Teachers often feel underprepared to teach poetry effectively.
- Learners may find that poetry is something of a turnoff, at least initially.
- Many curricula lack poetry-focused materials, leaving teachers to design resources from scratch.
- Abstract or advanced poems can overwhelm students, leading to frustration.
Teacher Takeaways
- Start Simple with Haikus or Rhymes: These work well to practice rhythm, syllable stress & cultural exploration.
- Make it Collaborative: Have students create group poems, analyse cultural themes, or perform recitations to boost confidence.
- Integrate Technology: Encourage learners to produce videos or audio recordings of their poetry to connect with a broader audience.
If you’ve used poetry in your classroom, which poems resonate most with your learners?
Thanks for reading- I’ll see you in 2025!
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