Understanding the Information-Based Approach:
A Reflection on Its Key Aspects
in Teaching Literature
Juan Dela Cruz
ENG 305 – The Teaching of Literature
Prof. Judith C. Genota
June 21, 2025
Introduction
The Information-Based Approach is a foundational method in teaching
literature that emphasizes the importance of contextual, historical, and
textual understanding. It recognizes that literary texts are products of
their time and can only be fully appreciated when analyzed with
appropriate background knowledge. This approach enhances students'
ability to comprehend literature through factual information, author
backgrounds, and sociopolitical settings.
This paper aims to examine the key elements of the Information-Based
Approach, reflect on its impact on students’ literary understanding,
and explore how educators can implement this strategy effectively. As
literature bridges the past and present, this approach is essential for
shaping a deeper appreciation of texts among learners.
Summary of the Topic
The Information-Based Approach focuses on equipping learners with
relevant factual knowledge about literary texts and their contexts. This
includes author biographies, historical settings, cultural norms, and
prevailing philosophical or political ideologies during the period of
writing. According to Bressler (2017), understanding a text’s context
aids in unveiling its true meaning, symbolism, and thematic depth.
For instance, José Rizal’s *Noli Me Tangere* is best understood when
one is aware of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines and the
injustices that prompted Rizal to write the novel. Similarly,
Shakespeare’s *Macbeth* becomes more meaningful when examined
within the context of Elizabethan beliefs about fate, kingship, and the
supernatural. This approach trains students to analyze literature
beyond surface-level interpretation.
Personal Reflection and Interpretation
My understanding of the Information-Based Approach has deepened as
I realized how vital it is for students to grasp the 'why' behind every
literary creation. Literature reflects the ethos of its time, and students
gain a richer appreciation of a text when they understand the events
that shaped its narrative. For example, learning about the Philippine
revolution while reading *Noli Me Tangere* helped me connect
emotionally to the story.
Moreover, the approach challenged my earlier tendency to focus solely
on plot. I learned that exploring a character's motivations, such as
Macbeth’s ambition and downfall, becomes clearer when
contextualized with the political climate of 17th-century England. As
Manalo (2019) points out, literary interpretation becomes
multidimensional when grounded in historical and cultural research.
This method sparked new questions for me: How much context is
enough? Can modern contexts alter the meanings of classic works?
These reflections have pushed me to critically evaluate literature not
as isolated art but as embedded in social discourse.
Pedagogical Implications
In the classroom, the Information-Based Approach can significantly
improve literature instruction. Teachers can design lessons that begin
with historical overviews, author timelines, or visual materials such as
maps or news articles from the era of the text. This primes students’
thinking and makes the reading process more relatable.
An effective activity might involve comparing primary historical
sources with excerpts from the text. For example, students could
examine Spanish friars’ roles during colonization and then analyze
Father Damaso’s character in Rizal’s *Noli Me Tangere*. Another
strategy is using multimedia—like documentary clips—to supplement
readings, especially for visually-inclined learners.
This approach also strengthens students’ research and critical thinking
skills. When students are tasked with gathering background
information before engaging in textual analysis, they learn how to
support their arguments with evidence, a skill transferable to many
academic disciplines. As noted by Gonzales (2018), integrating factual
knowledge boosts confidence and depth in literary discussions.
Furthermore, literature becomes more inclusive. Students from
different backgrounds can better relate to stories when provided with
contextual lenses. Teachers become facilitators who help students
bridge the gap between text and context, thereby making literature
classes more engaging and impactful.
Conclusion
The Information-Based Approach is indispensable in literature
education. It enables students to explore literary works with a broader,
more informed perspective, deepening both comprehension and
appreciation. By anchoring texts in historical, cultural, and political
backgrounds, students can meaningfully connect with the characters,
themes, and social critiques embedded in literature.
In understanding how this method works, educators gain insight into
how to create more dynamic, analytical, and inclusive learning
environments. Ultimately, this approach affirms that literature is not
only a mirror of human experience but also a window into the social
realities that shape it.
References
Bressler, C. E. (2017). *Literary criticism: An introduction to theory and
practice* (6th ed.). Pearson.
Gonzales, A. (2018). Contextualizing literature: A guide for Filipino
teachers. *Philippine Journal of Literature and Pedagogy*, 3(2), 45–58.
Manalo, R. (2019). Re-reading Rizal: Contextual approaches to
Philippine literature. *Southeast Asian Literary Studies*, 7(1), 15–30.
Rizal, J. (1891). *Noli Me Tangere* (M. Guerrero, Trans.). Guerrero
Publishing. (Original work published 1887)
Shakespeare, W. (1606). *Macbeth*. In B. Mowat & P. Werstine (Eds.),
*The Folger Shakespeare Library Edition*. Washington Square Press.
Personal Profile
PHOTO HERE (2x2 colored picture, top-right corner)
FAMILY NAME, FIRST NAME, MIDDLE INITIAL: Dela Cruz, Juan, M.
DEGREE FINISHED: Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English
SCHOOL WHERE YOU FINISHED YOUR DEGREE: Central Mindanao
Colleges
ADDRESS OF YOUR SCHOOL: Osmeña Avenue, Kidapawan City
CURRENT EMPLOYER AND ADDRESS: Matalam National High School,
Matalam, Cotabato
WORKING CELLPHONE NUMBER: 0912-345-6789
