Abstract
Saudi EFL learners struggle to read English and encounter obstacles that prevent improvement. Recently, graphic novels were introduced as alternative teaching and learning materials in academic settings. Nevertheless, research in this area remains limited. Therefore, this study examines the effect of reading a graphic novel on reading comprehension and investigates the perceptions of EFL teachers and students regarding the deployment of graphic novels in their classrooms. Sixty-six intermediate school students were divided into experimental and control groups. After the reading sessions, both groups completed reading comprehension tests. Results revealed that reading graphic novels positively affects reading comprehension as the experimental group achieved superior results to the control group. Both EFL teachers and students believe that graphic novels help in improving reading skills. The study concludes by discussing related implications.
Highlights
Reading is a vital language skill, one that forms the foundation upon which communication in the form of writing, listening, and speaking can be developed (McDonough, Christopher, & Masuhara, 2013)
This study examines the effect of reading a graphic novel on reading comprehension and investigates the perceptions of EFL teachers and students regarding the deployment of graphic novels in their classrooms
According to Cohen (1988), a medium effect size is “large enough to be visible to the naked eye” (p. 26). This indicates that the impact of reading graphic novels on the experimental group was positive and that the students in this group performed demonstrably better than the control group
Summary
Reading is a vital language skill, one that forms the foundation upon which communication in the form of writing, listening, and speaking can be developed (McDonough, Christopher, & Masuhara, 2013). This research promotes a new teaching method involving graphic novels, an alternative that provides language teachers with an effective teaching tool while providing Saudi EFL learners with an enjoyable opportunity to enrich their language skills, reading. This method enhances motivation and encourages self-regulated learning. This study sheds light on the effect of graphic novels for developing the reading comprehension of Saudi EFL learners. The study offers suggestions for teachers regarding the implementation of this new instructional medium, one that will allow students to benefit considerably; in from the motivational impetus that graphic novels can provide which magnifies students’ desire to increase their reading
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