Intrigue and entanglement in "The Murder of the Language Teacher" as a strategy to motivate reading

Abstract

Motivation is a fundamental factor in developing reading habits and literary text comprehension. This study aimed to assess intrigue and plot twists in the novel El asesinato de la profesora de lengua as narrative devices for enhancing reading motivation. An applied, descriptive study was conducted using a participatory action research approach that combined quantitative and qualitative techniques. For the initial assessment, a survey was administered to 28 students, and six teachers were interviewed. The findings showed that most students expressed an interest in reading and identified the plot as a key factor influencing their engagement. Teachers also emphasized the importance of suspense and curiosity as resources for promoting reading motivation and comprehension. Based on these findings, a teaching strategy entitled "SOS Detective" was designed and implemented, focusing on exploring intrigue and plot twists in the selected novel. Its implementation fostered student participation, critical thinking, and comprehension of the narrative content. The study concludes that the planned integration of narrative devices through participatory teaching strategies offers an alternative for strengthening reading motivation and promoting comprehension, analytical, and critical reflection skills.