Authors
Frenalyn C. Tan*
Isabela State University – Ilagan Campus
Isabel Province, Philippines
Racel Mae P. Dela Raga
Isabela State University – Ilagan Campus
Isabel Province, Philippines
Romel R. Costales
Isabela State University – Ilagan Campus
Isabel Province, Philippines
Email: romelcostales33@gmail.com
Abstract
This study examined the effectiveness of multimodal texts in boosting engagement and literacy skills in ESL classrooms. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, fifteen Bachelor of Secondary Education English major students at Isabela State University-Ilagan Campus were interviewed to share their lived experiences with integrating multimodal resources, including visual, digital, and media texts. Results showed that multimodal texts promote creativity, enhance speaking skills, and improve digital literacy by offering authentic opportunities for communication and collaboration. However, some limitations were observed, including limited verbal interaction, accessibility challenges, technical issues, and risks associated with passive learning. These findings emphasize the importance of using multimodal strategies carefully and critically, combining traditional methods with innovative practices to maximize student learning. The study suggests providing training for educators, improving access to technology, and offering guidance for evaluating digital resources to increase instructional effectiveness. Overall, multimodal texts enrich language learning but need thoughtful implementation.
Keywords: multimodal texts, engagement, literacy skills, speaking skills, digital literacy
*Corresponding author
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0404663
Recommended citation:
Tan, F. C., Dela Raga, R. M. P., & Costales, R. R. (2025). Exploring the effectiveness of multimodal texts in enhancing engagement and literacy skills in ESL classrooms. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 4 (4), 7263-7272. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0404663
Read the full text
References
Ajayi, L. (2015). The effectiveness of multimedia integration in college classrooms: An exploratory study. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 24(1), 1–20.
Albers, P., & Sanders, J. (2010). Multimodal literacies: An introduction. National Council of Teachers of English. https://secure.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Books/Sample/32142Intro_x.pdf
Alvermann, D. E., & Wilson, A. A. (2018). Multimodal texts and critical thinking in secondary English classrooms. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 62(4), 405–417. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaal.881
Banna, J. C., Stewart, M., Lin, G., & Fialkowski, M. K. (2015). Interaction matters: Strategies to promote engaged learning in an online introductory nutrition course. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 11(2), 249–261.
Bikowski, D., & Casal, J. E. (2018). Interactive digital textbooks and engagement: A learning strategies framework. Language Learning & Technology, 22(1), 119–136. https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/10125/44584/2/22_01_bikowskicasal.pdf
Bull, G., & Anstey, M. (2019). The literacy landscape. Routledge.
Caled, D., & Silva, M. J. (2021). Digital media and misinformation: An outlook on multidisciplinary strategies against manipulation. Journal of Computational Social Science, 5(1), 123–159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42001-021-00118-8
Camiciottoli, B. C., & Fortanet-Gómez, I. (2021). Towards developing multimodal literacies in the ESP classroom: Methodological insights and practical applications. Multimodal Communication, 11(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1515/mc-2021-0021
Carmichael, M., Reid, A., & Karpicke, J. D. (2018). Assessing the impact of educational video on student engagement, critical thinking, and learning. SAGE.
Chan, B. S. K., Churchill, D., & Chiu, T. K. F. (2017). Digital literacy learning in higher education through a digital storytelling approach. Journal of International Education Research, 13(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.19030/jier.v13i1.9907
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Erwin, K., & Mohammed, S. (2022). Digital literacy skills instruction and increased skills proficiency. International Journal of Technology in Education and Science, 6(2), 323–332. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijtes.364
Jewitt, C. (2016). The Routledge handbook of multimodal analysis. Routledge.
Jewitt, C., Bezemer, J., & O’Halloran, K. (2016). Introducing multimodality. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315638027
Kress, G., & Van Leeuwen, T. (2020). Reading images: The grammar of visual design (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Liang, L., & Yao, Y. (2023). The influence of multimodality in the digital era for teaching and learning English as a second language. In Advances in social science, education and humanities research (pp. 361–368). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-126-5_43
Liu, J. (2013). Visual images interpretive strategies in multimodal texts. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 4(6), 1259–1263. https://doi.org/10.4304/jltr.4.6.1259-1263
Moreno, R., & Mayer, R. E. (2017). Cognitive theory of multimedia learning. In R. E. Mayer (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of multimedia learning (2nd ed., pp. 69–96). Cambridge University Press.
Parveen, B. W. (2016). Use of technology in improving speaking skills. Journal of English Language and Literature, 3(2), 121–124.
Ramli, A. M., & Kurniawan, E. H. (2018). The use of podcast to improve students’ listening and speaking skills for EFL learners. In Proceedings of the International Conference on English Language Teaching (ICONELT 2017). https://doi.org/10.2991/iconelt-17.2018.42
Serafini, F. (2014). Reading the visual: An introduction to teaching multimodal literacy. Teachers College Press.
Serafini, F. (2015). Multimodal literacy: From theories to practices. Language Arts, 92(6), 412–423. https://doi.org/10.58680/la201527389
Serafini, F., & Gee, J. P. (2017). Remixing multiliteracies: Theory and practice from New London to new times. Teachers College Press.
Takacs, Z. K., Swart, E. K., & Bus, A. G. (2015). Benefits and pitfalls of multimedia and interactive features in technology enhanced storybooks: A meta analysis. Review of Educational Research, 85(4), 698–739. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654314566989
Yi, Y. (2014). Possibilities and challenges of multimodal literacy practices in teaching and learning English as an additional language. Language and Linguistics Compass, 8(4), 158–169. https://doi.org/10.1111/lnc3.12076