PANYONARA: Journal of English Education

Developing Interactive Digital Comic Media for Teaching Speaking Skills in Elementary School

2026-04-01T00:33:20+07:00

Mastering English at an early stage is considered crucial in equipping younger generations to face international competition. Among the four essential language abilities, speaking is regarded as the most fundamental and therefore requires consistent and structured development. Nevertheless, the oral proficiency of Indonesian elementary school learners remains relatively low, creating a demand for more engaging and innovative teaching strategies. This research was conducted to design interactive learning resources in the form of a digital comic, intended to support fifth-grade pupils in studying English as a second language (ESL). The study adopted a research and development (R&D) framework to construct instructional media that are tangible, visually oriented, and aligned with the developmental characteristics of children in their early learning stages. The validation process yielded a mean score of 3.7 out of 4, which fell into the “very good” category. Moreover, effectiveness for the concern and the result was investigated by comparing pre-test and post-test differences, yielding an N-Gain score of 0.87, which is classified as “high.” These results prove that the interactive digital comic not only is user-friendly but is also effective in developing students' speaking skills. The implications extend beyond classroom practice, where teachers can utilize the media as an engaging instructional resource. Additionally, curriculum developers may consider the findings as input in designing syllabi that integrate interactive media, while educational media producers can adopt the principles demonstrated in this study to create child-friendly learning content that supports language acquisition.

Practices and Challenges: Riau Islands EFL Teachers’ View on Differentiated Instructions in Kurikulum Merdeka

2026-04-02T20:01:01+07:00

Kurikulum Merdeka has been implemented since 2020; one of its characteristics is the implementation of differentiated instruction. Differentiated instruction is an old strategy; however, it is a quite new strategy for most current teachers in Indonesia. Thus, this study aims to examine the perceptions of high school English teachers in the Riau Islands regarding the implementation of differentiated instruction within the Kurikulum Merdeka framework. This study employed a mixed-methods research approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data. The research instruments are a questionnaire and an interview to get a deeper analysis. This study found that EFL teachers in Riau Islands Province showed positive perceptions of the implementation of differentiated instruction. The teachers also admitted the importance of adapting to students’ diverse needs, abilities, and learning styles. However, the teachers also face several challenges during the implementation of differentiated instruction, such as limited time and resources to prepare, as well as difficulties in adapting the instruction to large class sizes. Despite those challenges, EFL teachers still perceive the usefulness and effectiveness of differentiated instruction to develop English language skills. In a nutshell, differentiated instruction can significantly improve the learning outcomes, but adequate professional training and resources are necessary for better implementation.

Uncovering The Needs for Local Culture-Based Audiovisual Media in EFL Teaching to Promote Students’ Cultural Awareness

2026-04-02T20:11:52+07:00

Abstract : Local culture holds a crucial position in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning, particularly in fostering students’ cultural awareness and supporting meaningful language use. However, English instructional materials at the junior high school level often provide limited integration of students’ local cultural contexts, which may reduce learners’ engagement and comprehension. This study aims to conduct a needs analysis on the integration of local culture–based audiovisual media in EFL teaching as a foundation for designing appropriate instructional media for seventh-grade students who are beginning formal English learning. Specifically, the study investigates the needs and preferences of seventh-grade students and English teachers at SMP IT Harapan Mulia Palembang regarding the use of audiovisual media to support reading comprehension and promote cultural awareness. A mixed-methods approach was employed in this study. Questionnaires were administered to 130 seventh-grade students, while semi-structured interviews were conducted with two English teachers. The findings reveal that students prefer audiovisual media over text-based materials and show higher motivation in English learning when local cultural content is incorporated. Students also experience difficulties in understanding main ideas and detailed information in reading texts, which are associated with low engagement with culturally unfamiliar topics. Teachers support the integration of local culture–based audiovisual media but report limited availability of suitable instructional resources. In conclusion, the study highlights the need to develop local culture–based audiovisual media to support EFL instruction, enhance reading comprehension, and foster students’ cultural awareness at the junior high school level.

Language Learning Strategies for Managing Speaking Anxiety among English Students: A Narrative Inquiry

2026-04-07T17:04:35+07:00

Speaking anxiety is one of the most prominent obstacles for EFL students in improving their speaking skills. Successful students use more language learning strategies to overcome their speaking anxiety. This study aims to portray the experiences of an English education department student in dealing with speaking anxiety. More specifically, this study focuses on student’s speaking anxiety experience and the utilisation of language learning strategies. To achieve the objective of the study, a narrative inquiry is employed. The data collection methods are semi-structured interviews and photo elicitation. The interview data was translated into English, re-examined, and analysed using narrative analysis (Labov, 1972). The findings of this study indicate that a student experience speaking anxiety due to several factors, and utilising language learning strategies helped in reducing speaking anxiety itself. The findings of this study are presented in the narrative analysis framework proposed by Labov (1972): (1) Abstract: “The Early Motivation”, (2) Orientation: “A Supportive Environment as the Starting Line”, (3) Complicating action: “Facing Fear in English Speaking”, (4) Resolution: “Strategy Adoption as Emotional Regulation”, (5) Evaluation: “From Avoidance to Agency”, (6) Coda: “Rediscovering Joy in Speaking”. This study suggests applying language learning strategies as it can assist students in coping with speaking anxiety.

Enhancing Speaking Skills through English Mini Drama Contest on Narrative Text for Junior High School

2026-04-10T15:10:01+07:00

Abstract: Speaking skill mastery is a key component of Indonesia’s English curriculum, yet many junior high school students continue to face difficulties in speaking skills. This study aimed to improve students’ speaking skills through the implementation of English Mini Drama Contest (EMDC) using Classroom Action Research (CAR) among 31 third-year students at a junior high school in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The data were collected through speaking tests, interviews, and observations. The speaking test rubric was validated through expert judgement involving two English education lecturers and an English teacher, while the trustworthiness of the qualitative findings was ensured through method triangulation. The results show that students’ speaking scores improve from Cycle 1 to Cycle 2. Observations also indicate increase students’ participation. Moreover, interviews with the students revealed that EMDC fostered interest, creativity, and emotional responses. The findings suggest that EMDC is a suitable classroom innovation strategy for improving students’ speaking skills, as it provides scaffolding and classroom management that create sufficient opportunities to practice the language. Future studies may investigate different types of scaffolding and classroom management practices in EMDC to further support students’ speaking development.

Exploring EFL Students’ Perceptions of Translanguaging in Academic Writing Instruction in higher education

2026-04-10T21:03:48+07:00

This study aimed to examine EFL students’ perceptions on the use of translanguaging in academic writing instruction in higher education context. This study is a case study and using quantitative survey design with four-point Likert-scale questionnaire covering five dimensions of perceptions; understanding the writing material, the writing process, affective aspects, the role of translanguaging in academic learning, and challenges and limitations of its use. The absence of neutral option on the Likert scale encourages respondents to actively position their attitudes towards translanguaging practices. The result showed that students had consistently positive perceptions on the use of translanguaging in academic writing instruction. Translanguaging was perceived as aiding understanding of academic material, supporting the development and organization of ideas during the writing process and playing a role in cognitive and metacognitive regulation, such as planning, monitoring, and revising writing. From an affective perspective, translanguaging contributed to reducing writing anxiety and increasing students’ self-confidence and motivation to learn. Furthermore, students did not perceive translanguaging as a barrier to the development of their English language skills.

Exploring Culturally Responsive Teaching Clusters in Indonesian Higher Education EFL Contexts: Patterns and Students’ Perspectives

2026-04-14T15:47:13+07:00

Numerous studies have indicated that Culturally Responsive Teaching promotes inclusivity, increases student engagement, builds learners’ confidence, and fosters meaningful EFL learning. This study examines the implementation and impact of Culturally responsive teaching (CRT) in Indonesian EFL classroom focusing on identifying specific CRT clusters. The research aims to determine the types of CRT clusters manifested in classroom practices and to analyze students’ perceptions and responses toward CRT Practices over one semester. Employing a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design, the study integrates descriptive quantitative analysis with in-depth qualitative inquiry. Quantitative data were derived from 20 students’ reflective journals by calculating the frequency of CRT practices and categorizing them into Clusters A, B, and C. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews from 12 participants and journal analysis to explore students’ experiences on Culturally responsive teaching. The findings reveal that all three CRT clusters were meaningfully implemented, with Cluster B—creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment—emerging as the most dominant. Overall, CRT positively enhanced students’ confidence, engagement, and comprehension in English Learning.

Linking Language Learning, Technology, and Sustainability through Project-Based Ecotourism Education

2026-04-21T09:48:47+07:00

This study explores how Technology Project-Based Learning (TPBL) can be integrated into the English for Tourism curriculum at UIN Saizu Purwokerto to create media-based products promoting sustainable ecotourism in Banyumas, Central Java. Banyumas has a lot of natural and cultural resources that could be used for ecotourism, but the local marketing strategies do not always use new and educational media. The study used a Research and Development (R&D) approach with both qualitative and quantitative methods. The participants of this study are English for Tourism students and tourism stakeholders. The data are collected through observation, interviews, and focus group discussions. By implementing TPBL, students produce digital media: videos, social media campaigns, and websites for introducing local tourism objects in Banyumas. The results show that using TPBL enchances students' creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and environmental awareness, and it also produces authentic practice that promote sustainable tourism. The study finds that TPBL not only helps students learn a new language, but it also changes the way teachers teach by integrating education, technology, and local sustainability.