THE TEACHING OF SHORT STORY

INTRODUCTION
Teacher would like to use short story to introduce her students to literature. Short story is preferable to the novel because of its length. Teachers can plan enjoyable and meaningful reading programs for students.

 According to DiYanni (1990), there are four features of modern realistic short story:
1. Its plot is based on probability, illustrating a sequence or casually related incidents. 2. Its characters are recognizably human, and they are motivated by identifiable social and psychological forces.

3. Its time and place are clearly established, with realistic rather than fantastic settings. 4. Its elements such as plot, character, setting, style, point of view, irony, symbol and theme; work towards a single effect making the story unified.

 Holman (1980) termed the short story as brief short story. Usually between 500 to 20000 words in length. Holman also termed the short story as relatively brief fictional narrative in prose.

ADVANTAGES
Collie and Slater (1987): Length The length must be practical for the students to read the text in classroom during the lesson (either in one / two lessons). It cannot be too long. Less daunting (less difficult / easier)

 Students can read on their own. Suitable for home task. To be able to finish reading the short story is encountered as an achievement for the students. Variety There are a lot of short stories available to be used in classroom. Teachers have a lot of choices in order to suit students need and interest. It helps to capture/grab students' attention. Flexible It can be used at anytime (not outdated).

Addition by Benton (1985): Variety Introduces different types of fiction (story) to the students. Brevity (concise or exact use of words in writing) Length - usually cannot be more than 2/3 pages.

 The word counts help to provoke effects on the reader. It helps to focus on significant moment; Example: short story always focus on the fortunes of a single character From the story 'The Fruitcake Special' it focuses on Anna. Leave impact on readers where it focuses on particular experience where it is related to real life or it offers a tale of the unexpected.

Structure Narrative structure Three phase of movement: Beginning Middle Ending Narrative imagination Realization of the relation between the story and real life incident or situation. Concerned with anecdote (a short and amusing interesting story about a real incident or person)