The Challenge Addressed
I am a lecturer of Armenian language and literature at a vocational college, with over 15 years of teaching experience.
This teaching practice is based on an interdisciplinary approach in which literature is explored not only as an artistic form, but also as a reflection of social reality and a powerful tool for analysis. Literary texts are closely connected to the fields of social work, psychology, and social sciences, supporting the development of students’ critical thinking, empathy, and professional awareness.
Why the Practice is Innovative
Within this methodology, the analysis of literary works goes beyond traditional elements such as the author’s biography, plot, or ideological direction.
Texts are examined within a broader social context, allowing students to explore complex social issues through literature. Particular attention is given to the psychological states of characters and their internal conflicts, as well as the representation of social relationships, power structures, discrimination, and social inequality.
Students are encouraged to identify and critically discuss stereotypes, social norms, and value systems reflected in literary narratives.
Through this approach, literature becomes a living and dynamic educational tool rather than a static subject.
Type of Integration and Key Competences
The methodology integrates literature, social work, psychology, and social sciences.
Students develop:
- Critical thinking
- Empathy
- Professional awareness
- Analytical skills
- Emotional intelligence
- Ethical sensitivity
- Cultural awareness and expression
- Personal and social competences
- Problem-solving skills
This aligns with European key competences for lifelong learning, particularly cultural awareness and expression, personal and social competences, and critical thinking.
Role of the Teacher/Trainer
The teacher supports students in connecting literary analysis with social and professional perspectives.
Through guided discussions and experiential activities, the teacher creates a safe environment for reflection, dialogue, and self-discovery, where students can explore social realities and question their own assumptions.
Type of Learning Activities
A key component of this methodology is experiential learning.
Role-playing activities, situational exercises, and guided discussions are integrated into the lessons, enabling students to actively engage with social problems presented in literary texts.
By assuming the perspective of a social worker, students analyse characters’ experiences, motivations, and challenges, which helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-life professional practice.
This process enhances students’ ability to apply academic concepts to authentic social situations.
Impact of the Practice
Through this approach, students learn to perceive literary texts as spaces for understanding human experience, recognising social issues, and developing empathetic and professional responses.
The classroom transforms into a safe environment for reflection, dialogue, and self-discovery, where students can explore social realities and question their own assumptions.
The methodology also supports the formation of professional identity. By engaging with literature in a social work context, students strengthen their analytical skills, emotional intelligence, and ethical sensitivity.
Literary texts provide opportunities for self-reflection and encourage students to think about their role and responsibility within society.
Overall, this teaching practice fosters active participation, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Potential for Replication
The practice is innovative due to its flexible structure and its integration of experiential learning with competency-oriented design.
The methodology can be adapted to different learning levels and educational environments, making it applicable beyond literature classes.
By combining literary analysis with social and professional perspectives, this approach prepares students to engage thoughtfully with complex social issues and to develop skills essential for both academic and professional success.
Innovator: Sirun Karapetyan - "BADEYAN" VARDENIS STATE COLLEGE