graphic novel
Introduction to teaching graphic novels in the English Foreign Language Classroom
There are many methods and strategies in teaching EFL learners. In this case teachers should be able to decide whether a method is appropriate or not, which is not always easy. Teaching graphic novels is a clever strategy to capture the interest of nearly all students in a class. In general this phenomenon is sometimes difficult to achieve due to the fact that there are various learning types and it is not always possible to reach every student. However, the fact that almost all children like graphic novels or comics makes it easier to integrate this method into a lesson. They often associate graphic novels with fun and modern school students’ interest in graphic novels shows great results in their learning process. The fun-factor especially will encourage them to learn.
It is difficult for EFL learners to work with literature in another language because they have problems visualizing pictures and/or images in their heads. They cannot imagine what is happening in the story and they automatically do not understand the message of the text. With its structure graphic novels help students to gain a deeper understanding of literature. The combination of text and picture makes it easier for learners to deal with literature. Apart from that the didactical relevance of graphic novels should be made clear.
Visual literacy, which includes various forms like picture and text, makes it easier for students to associate the plot with different characters. Using graphic novels provides competences like reading and analyzing and helps teachers to follow their intended goals for their lessons. Regarding these points the worth of graphic novels in school becomes much higher.
There are many methods and strategies in teaching EFL learners. In this case teachers should be able to decide whether a method is appropriate or not, which is not always easy. Teaching graphic novels is a clever strategy to capture the interest of nearly all students in a class. In general this phenomenon is sometimes difficult to achieve due to the fact that there are various learning types and it is not always possible to reach every student. However, the fact that almost all children like graphic novels or comics makes it easier to integrate this method into a lesson. They often associate graphic novels with fun and modern school students’ interest in graphic novels shows great results in their learning process. The fun-factor especially will encourage them to learn.
It is difficult for EFL learners to work with literature in another language because they have problems visualizing pictures and/or images in their heads. They cannot imagine what is happening in the story and they automatically do not understand the message of the text. With its structure graphic novels help students to gain a deeper understanding of literature. The combination of text and picture makes it easier for learners to deal with literature. Apart from that the didactical relevance of graphic novels should be made clear.
Visual literacy, which includes various forms like picture and text, makes it easier for students to associate the plot with different characters. Using graphic novels provides competences like reading and analyzing and helps teachers to follow their intended goals for their lessons. Regarding these points the worth of graphic novels in school becomes much higher.