Indonesian EFL Journal
Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026)

THE IMPACT OF ENGLISH COMIC MEDIA ON EIGHTH-GRADERS’ READING MOTIVATION AND ABILITY AT SMPN 29 PADANG

Ifana Syahesti (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Muhammad Al-Hafizh (Universitas Negeri Padang)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study examines the effect of English comic media on eighth-grade students’ reading motivation and reading ability at SMPN 29 Padang. Comics were selected because their integration of visuals and text helps reduce cognitive load and increases student engagement compared to traditional text-based materials. This quantitative study employed a true experimental design with a post-test-only control group. Two classes selected through cluster random sampling participated in the research: VIII.1 (experimental, 31 students) and VIII.5 (control, 32 students). Students’ reading ability was assessed through a validated post-test, while reading motivation was measured using a questionnaire covering eight dimensions based on Guthrie & Wigfield’s framework: Grades-compliance, Involvement, Social Competition, Reading Work Avoidance, Curiosity, Recognition, and Efficacy. Independent Samples t-Test results revealed significant differences between groups for both reading ability (p < 0.05) and reading motivation (p < 0.05). The experimental group outperformed the control group, indicating that English comic media effectively enhances students’ reading comprehension and motivation. These findings highlight the potential of comics as engaging and pedagogically beneficial materials for EFL reading instruction.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

pub

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

The scopes of the journal include critical issues of educational practices in primary, secondary and tertiary education as well as in university level surrounding: English Language Pedagogy Language Acquisition Bilingualism and Multilingualism English language Literacy English for Specific Purposes ...