The use of graphic novels and comics to enhance reading comprehension skills in L2

Abstract

Since reading plays a crucial role in the language learning process, and the development of strong reading comprehension skills is vital for achieving proficiency in the target language, this mixed-method study aims to explore the use of comics and graphic novels as an alternative to traditional texts to actively engage students in reading. The primary objective is to enhance students' reading comprehension by improving their inference skills, thereby making a valuable contribution to the existing literature on the advantages of teaching students how to draw inferences. This action research was conducted with eleventh-grade students and involved a three-stage process: a pre-reading comprehension test for diagnostic purposes, a pedagogical intervention focused on teaching students the techniques and appropriate moments for making inferences, and a post-reading test to assess the expected progress in their reading abilities. The qualitative data for this study was collected through reflective journals maintained by the researchers, which will be subsequently combined with the test scores to provide a comprehensive analysis of the results.