Effectiveness of Graphic Novels to Motivate Reading among ESL Learners: A Literature Review

Abstract

This paper reviewed literature on the effectiveness of graphic novels to foster reading motivation among ESL learners in the educational framework of Malaysian schools. The research process involved two phases: (1) data searching and collection, and (2) assessing the quality of studies, where literature obtained from 2 databases (Google Scholar and Educational Resources Information Centre (ERIC) were filtered, guided by a review question. The selection criteria of the past studies encompassed three aspects: (1) using specific search keywords, (2) language used and (3) year of publication (2019-2023). The keyword search focused on papers of (1) the impact of graphic novels on reading motivation, and (2) the effectiveness of graphic novels in motivating reading among ESL learners, specifically in Malaysia. From 98 papers searched, this review looked at 25 pertinent studies on how graphic novels may motivate ESL learners to read. Several effects have been identified, including increasing pupils’ engagement; graphic novels as an effective tool; and enhancing reading motivation. The findings of this research may be advantageous for ESL teachers in integrating graphic novels into their classroom. Potential possibilities for future research could include investigating the influence of digital graphic novels on the motivation to read among ESL learners, as well as examining the effects of incorporating graphic novels alongside other instructional approaches (such as peer learning or cooperative learning) on the motivation to read among ESL learners.