Do alternative methods affect academic success? The importance of using poetry in education

This study explores the impact of poetry-based instruction on academic achievement in middle school social studies classes. Focusing on the 'Active Citizenship' theme, students were taught through poems written by the researchers and compared with peers taught using standard curriculum methods. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was employed. The results revealed a significant improvement in academic achievement among students taught through poetry. These findings suggest poetry can be an effective instructional tool in social studies education. Educational relevance statement This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of poetry as a teaching tool in social studies, demonstrating its capacity to improve students' academic performance. Integrating poetry into the curriculum helps enhance students' emotional engagement and motivation, fostering better understanding of abstract civic concepts. These findings are particularly useful for educators seeking creative and impactful instructional strategies.