Comics to improve the production of descriptive, expository and narrative texts in university students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2041

Keywords:

comics, literacy, writing skills, reading skills, descriptive texts, expository texts, narrative texts, mixed-methods approach

Abstract

Introduction: This article examines the effect of comics on improving literacy skills in descriptive, expository, and narrative texts among university students. Methodology: Using a mixed-methods approach, a quasi-experimental study was conducted with 100 students divided into two groups: an intervention group, which used comics in their classes, and a control group, which followed the traditional method. Both groups received lessons for four months, and tests were administered to assess their text production skills. Additionally, a focus group with eight students was conducted to explore their perceptions of using comics, addressing topics such as motivation, effectiveness, challenges, collaboration, and feedback. Results: The findings showed that the use of comics had a significant impact on text production, especially in descriptive texts. The students in the intervention group notably outperformed those in the control group. Students’ perceptions were mostly positive, highlighting that comics made learning more enjoyable and improved their writing skills. Discussion: The integration of comics into literacy activities can be an effective strategy to capture students’ interest, facilitate the understanding of complex concepts, and improve academic performance.

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Author Biographies

Cristhian Sarango, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

Doctorate in Philology from the National Distance Education University (Spain) with honours. Master's degree in Spanish and Latin American Literature from the University of Barcelona (Spain). Bachelor's degree in Language and Literature from the National University of Loja (Ecuador). He also holds a Master's Degree in Constitutional Law from the National University of Loja (Ecuador). Lawyer from the National University of Loja (Ecuador). Director of the research group Studies in Linguistics, Literature, Education and Culture (ELLEC), UTPL.

Paul Gonzalez-Torres, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

PhD in Language Acquisition in Multilingual Contexts from the University of the Basque Country. Master's degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja and NOVA Southeastern University. Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in English from the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja. He teaches courses in the Pedagogy of National and Foreign Languages ​​program, both in-person and online, at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja.

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Published

2025-10-22

How to Cite

Sarango, C., & Gonzalez-Torres, P. (2025). Comics to improve the production of descriptive, expository and narrative texts in university students. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 11, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2041

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