Literature and the 21st Century Learner

Abstract

How do we prepare students for the 21st century, for “jobs and technologies” which, according to Crutcher, “don”t yet exist…in order to solve problems that we don”t even know are problems yet”? In light of this growing concern and urgency to equip our students with 21st century skills, where does the subject Literature, or that matter, the Humanities, fit in? Recent research on Literature education in Singapore has served to highlight the state of ambivalence of the Literature curriculum; suggest possibilities for its reconceptualisation, taking into consideration the contemporary Singaporean environment and the impact of globalisation; and consider the offering of alternative curricula. A 2007 research study conducted in Singapore secondary schools on the state of Literature as a subject highlighted, among other things, its low status and lack of desirability. This study serves as a basis for this paper, which explores the possible links between 21st century skills and the subject Literature. It questions how 21st century skills can be integrated into the teaching and learning of Literature in schools, and looks at the potential of the subject as a viable course of study. This paper focuses on current issues and dialogues relating to the subject Literature in Singapore where there are now only around 3000 students are studying the subject as compared to 16,970 in 1992 as reported in The Straits Times (2013). Making the study of Literature relevant and appealing to students may prevent it from dying a slow death.