Reimagining Arabic Instruction: Designing Webtoon Comics as Innovative Qirā’ah Learning Media

Nurul Hafizhah Salsabila   Sitorus; Muhammad   Taufiq

doi:10.31849/jqfwfa28

Authors

Nurul Hafizhah Salsabila Sitorus Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia.
Muhammad Taufiq Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31849/jqfwfa28

Keywords:

Arabic language learning, Qirā’ah skills, Multimodal literacy, Reading comprehension, Research and development (R&D), Technology-enhanced learning

Abstract

Developing effective instructional media is essential to overcome the perception that Arabic qirā’ah (reading) is monotonous and difficult, a challenge that often diminishes students’ motivation and comprehension. Despite the wide use of technology-enhanced learning, studies focusing on Webtoon-based comics for Arabic reading instruction remain limited. This study aims to bridge that gap by designing and validating a digital Arabic comic on the Webtoon platform to improve Grade X students’ reading proficiency at MAN Tanjungbalai. Using a Research and Development (R&D) design with the Three Stages Research and Development (TSRD) model, the process involved needs analysis, storyboard creation, prototype development, expert validation, and classroom trials. The results demonstrate strong evidence of feasibility and effectiveness: material validation scored 75% (valid), media validation reached 86.6% (highly valid), teacher responses averaged 91.4% (highly valid), and student responses 86.5% (highly valid). Teachers emphasized the alignment of visuals and text as strengths, while students highlighted the engaging format and improved comprehension of Arabic texts. The findings confirm that Webtoon-based comics not only increase learners’ motivation but also enhance comprehension, satisfaction, and classroom participation, transforming the perception of Arabic learning from difficult to enjoyable. This study contributes by offering empirical validation of digital comics as innovative instructional media and by demonstrating the integration of popular youth-oriented platforms into formal education. Broader implications suggest that Webtoon-based media can support multimodal literacy, promote learner engagement, and serve as a scalable model for technology-enhanced language instruction in diverse contexts.

Author Biographies

Nurul Hafizhah Salsabila Sitorus, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia.

Nurul Hafizhah S. Sitorus is a researcher in the Department of Arabic Language Education at the State Islamic University of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Her academic interests include Arabic pedagogy, instructional media development, and digital-based learning innovation. Actively engaged in research, she focuses on enhancing students’ reading proficiency through creative digital platforms and multimodal approaches to advance interactive and student-centered Arabic language education.
Muhammad Taufiq , Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia

Dr. Muhammad Taufiq, M.A. is a senior lecturer and Head of the Department of Arabic Language Education at the State Islamic University of North Sumatra, Indonesia. He holds a Doctorate from UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. His research focuses on Arabic pedagogy, curriculum development, and digital learning integration to enhance language acquisition at national and international levels.

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