Comics in the EFL Classroom: The Use of English Comics and Students' Speaking Skills at One

Islamic Junior High School in Jambi City

Husnul Fatiyah
husnulfatiyah@gmail.com
and amirmuk@yahoo.com
Jambi University

Abstract

The purpose of this action research was to find out whether the use of English comics as a teaching
medium can help to improve students' speaking skills at One Islamic Junior High School in Jambi City.
The sample of this study was 32 students of one EFL classroom, consisting of 13 males and 19 females.
Three cycles were applied in this study. During the process of teaching and learning, the data were
collected through observation checklists, tests, and questionnaire. All the data of observation checklists,
tests, and questionnaire were analyzed to find out whether the use of English comics as a teaching
medium can help to improve students' speaking skills. Generally, the findings of the action research
indicated that that the use of English comic positively contributed to students’ speaking and made the
students more active, spontaneous and relaxed in using English in the class. Suggestions for future
research and teaching practices are discussed

Key words: English comics, media, students' speaking skill