Abstract
The challenge of teaching English to Malaysian tertiary students has become more daunting considering the latest developments in technology. Teachers therefore face the challenges of having to deal with a majority of learners who not only have little confidence or competence in using English language but also lack analytical, critical and creative skills. Hence, teachers can overcome this problem by carrying out language activities that concentrate on the development of multiple literacy skills among learners. This article will demonstrate specifically the ways in which the incorporation of multimodal materials will not only enhance students' English language competency but also their analytical and creative thinking skills. More importantly, this study focuses primarily on techniques and tools to enhance the students' English as a Second Language (ESL) learning achievement and learning satisfaction in the classroom setting. More specifically, the study utilizes the use of various multimodal texts as the teaching and learning approaches that include both auditory and visual modes encompassing video recording, YouTube videos, songs and Adobe voice. Additionally, within the multimodality framework, the students carried out a project in teams and explored authentic multimodal texts. Several interesting trends emerged based on the interpretation of the results. First, students were found to be more proactive and take ownership of their own learning processes. Second, learners were able to use the language in a more critical and creative manner due to the nature of the texts. Third, students were able to develop language learning skills both individually and in teams.
Highlights
In today’s language classrooms, teachers can no longer survive by just teaching using chalk and board
We propose that the use of multimodal texts improves the effectiveness of the teaching and learning techniques than the traditional way of teaching
In the first part of the discussion, the focus will be on how multimodal texts assisted in the development of English oral skills
Summary
In today’s language classrooms, teachers can no longer survive by just teaching using chalk and board. Faced with diverse learners with varied backgrounds and literacy skills, teachers find themselves having to grapple with multiple factors just to get the students to open their mouths and be responsive in class activities. Teachers realized that they have to diversify their teaching approaches and learning content based on the students’ capabilities, interest and readiness. Multimodal texts are texts comprising of more than one kind of meaningful sign or symbol in order to convey the meaning of the text by means of a “synchronization of modes” This means the essence of multimodal texts can be interpreted by putting all the various modes used in the text together. A verbal written text can be materialized not as print on paper and on a computer screen [2]
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