Frame by frame: empowering ESL learners through visual writing

Aris, Haziqah Zulaikha and Hussain, Annur Najiah Hussaini and Shamsuddin, Aizat (2025) Frame by frame: empowering ESL learners through visual writing. In: The Fourth International Competition on Sustainable Education 2025 (SUSED2025), February - August 2025, Virtual.

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Abstract

This study explores the use of storyboard templates as a visual learning tool to support ESL students in writing the CEFR-aligned PT3 English Essay (Part 1). Storyboarding allows students to visualize, plan, and organize their ideas in sequence, helping them write with greater confidence, creativity, and clarity. Rooted in cognitive and constructivist learning theories, and aligned with the multiliteracies approach, the method promotes student-centered, multimodal engagement. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews to investigate students’ perceptions and the impact of storyboard use on their writing process. Thematic analysis of the data revealed three major themes: (1) improved writing skills in terms of structure and fluency, (2) enhanced confidence and time management, and (3) mixed reactions toward the fixed visuals and limited writing space. While many students appreciated the storyboard’s guidance, others expressed a desire for more creative freedom. Nevertheless, most acknowledged its usefulness in supporting idea development and essay planning. Some students even recommended its application in other subjects, such as Malay Language and History. This research highlights the pedagogical value of visual tools in language instruction and suggests that storyboarding offers a practical, accessible shift from traditional text-heavy approaches to a more engaging, student-focused writing model.

Item Type:	Proceeding Paper (Plenary Papers)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	ESL writing, storyboard technique, CEFR PT3, visual literacy, student perspectives
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1025 Teaching (principles and practices) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1603 Secondary Education. High schools
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Education Kulliyyah of Education > Department of Language & Literacy Kulliyyah of Education > Department of Curriculum & Instruction
Depositing User:	Dr. Haziqah Zulaikha Aris
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2025 20:55
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2025 21:30
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q808
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/125640

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