Analyzing the Controversy of Literature Integration in Educational Curricula: Policy Review and Educational Implications
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The integration of literature into educational curricula has sparked ongoing debate regarding its relevance and practical value in modern education systems. This study explores the challenges, implications, and benefits of incorporating literature into the curriculum, balancing tradition with innovation while emphasizing its socio-cultural importance. The primary challenges include policy prioritization of STEM subjects over the humanities, insufficient teacher preparedness, and resource inequalities between urban and rural schools. To address these issues, the study advocates for comprehensive policy reforms, including improved teacher training, equitable access to literary resources, and contextualized curricula that incorporate both local and global literary works. The findings highlight literature’s significant role in developing 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and communication. By engaging with literary texts, students can connect with cultural heritage, foster moral reflection, and develop a global outlook. Additionally, balancing classical literary traditions with modern, technology-driven approaches enhances student engagement and accessibility in the digital age. Literature’s socio-cultural value lies in its ability to preserve cultural identity, reflect societal realities, and inspire critical consciousness. This study concludes that integrating literature into curricula is vital for holistic education, cultivating students’ intellectual, ethical, and emotional development. Policymakers and educators must collaborate to ensure sustainable implementation, bridging the gap between humanistic learning and contemporary educational needs.
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