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“Graphic Novels: An Alternative Approach to Teach English as a Foreign Language” Öz, Hüseyin; Efecioglu, and Emine

“Graphic Novels: An Alternative Approach to Teach English as a Foreign Language” Öz, Hüseyin; Efecioglu, and Emine challenges the effectiveness of graphic novels being used in English as a first language classrooms (EFL). Their findings revealed that using graphic novels in the classroom had many different benefits. These benefits were caused because graphic novels raised the confidence of students, they can understand the graphic novels because of the pictures. Giving students a visual representation of what is occurring within the story makes translating the English language much easier. Also, pictures often engaged students with the story. Similar to these EFL classrooms, normal classes will take interest in these novels because of the visuals.
Additionally, the study discovered that “it was also seen that they play an important role in shaping one’s language” (87). Graphic novels can be used in English classrooms today to help shape a student’s language. When reading a more complex text in more advanced classrooms teachers can use graphic novels to show a central idea or theme in a text. For instance, Beowulf is a famous piece used in select classrooms today, but it is written in very old complex English. By introducing a graphic novel teachers will see more comprehension within their students. The pictures within the graphic novel help students visualize the events within the story taking place. I would introduce a graphic novel like this early in the class to make sure my students understand the real reading later; especially when students are expected to divulge in such dense text.
Overall the use of graphic novels in the classroom is valuable. By providing graphic novels teachers can expect to see better comprehension of literature within the classroom. Furthermore, the work of OZ and colleagues helps us see the role of graphic novels within the high school classroom. I will for sure purchase my own classroom set of graphic novels to reference.

Öz, H., & Efecioglu, E. (2015). Graphic Novels: An Alternative Approach to Teach English as a Foreign Language. Journal Of Language And Linguistic Studies, 11(1), 75-90.

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