Vol. 11 No. 3 (2026): Agustus
Open Access
Peer Reviewed

EFL Learners’ Perception in Using Picture Series-Based Storytelling to Develop Reading Comprehension

Authors

Zahratul Fikni , Murniati , Astrid Dwimaulani , Yulia Agustina

DOI:

10.29303/jipp.v11i3.5274

Published:

2026-07-20

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Abstract

In many EFL contexts, students struggle to develop adequate reading comprehension due to limited vocabulary and an over-reliance on teacher-centered instructional methods. This study aims to examine how EFL learners perceive picture series-based storytelling in developing reading comprehension and to identify the contextual difficulties students face when using this strategy. Employing a descriptive qualitative design, empirical data were collected from 16 eighth-grade students at MTs NWDI Loyok through a Likert-scale questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and participatory classroom observation. The findings reveal that students hold predominantly positive perceptions of the strategy, reporting stronger motivation, greater confidence, and higher engagement when reading is scaffolded by visual and narrative support. However, students also encountered distinct psychological, linguistic, and contextual difficulties, specifically foreign language anxiety when retelling stories, struggles with limited vocabulary, and a loss of concentration due to classroom noise. The study concludes that picture series-based storytelling is a highly useful and motivating strategy for EFL reading comprehension in rural schools, provided that teachers proactively support students with vocabulary preparation and structured classroom management.

Keywords:

EFL Learners, Picture Series, Reading Comprehension, Storytelling, Students’ Perceptions.

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Author Biographies

Zahratul Fikni, Universitas Hamzanwadi

Author Origin : Indonesia

Murniati, Universitas Hamzanwadi

Author Origin : Indonesia

Astrid Dwimaulani, Universitas Hamzanwadi

Author Origin : Indonesia

Yulia Agustina, Universitas Hamzanwadi

Author Origin : Indonesia

How to Cite

Fikni, Z., Murniati, M., Dwimaulani, A., & Agustina, Y. (2026). EFL Learners’ Perception in Using Picture Series-Based Storytelling to Develop Reading Comprehension. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 11(3), 2263–2269. https://doi.org/10.29303/jipp.v11i3.5274

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