THE HAIKU APPROACH FOR AN IDEAL EFL LITERATURE CLASS IN VIETNAM

Literature is important in the process of learning a second language. However, it is declining in the English language training programs in Vietnam and experiencing the lack of motivation among Vietnamese learners. The ultimate purpose of the study is to resolve this problem by proposing the “Haiku” approach, in which haiku is a metaphor for an ideal EFL/ ESL literature class and whose features are inspired by the aesthetic and interactive principles of haiku, a traditional Japanese poetic form. In order to test the potential suitability and success of the Haiku approach, this present study examines the attitudes of Vietnamese students about their current literature program and the features of the proposed approach. The study draws on the analysis of questionnaires for 110 students and their teachers at the University of Social Sciences and Humanties(USSH)in Vietnam. The findings have revealed that USSH students are not very motivated with the current approach and would be much more motivated with the Haiku approach. This study, therefore, suggests that the Haiku approach should be piloted for motivating learners to learn literature.