The Effectiveness of Circle Book as A Multimodal Learning Tool to Improve Reading Comprehension Among Year 4 Pupils at A Rural School in Malaysia

Abstract

Reading comprehension is a key skill in second language learning, especially for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. It involves several cognitive processes that enable a reader to extract meaning from the words on the page, comprehend information presented, and make connections between different parts of the text. Pupils with a strong reading comprehension ability can extract information, analyse content critically, and apply their understanding in various contexts. Studies show that the use of customised visual aids can improve reading comprehension and vocabulary among second language learners. This study investigates the effectiveness of the Circle Book as a multimodal instructional tool in improving reading comprehension among Year 4 pupils in a rural Malaysian primary school. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design was employed, complemented by qualitative data from classroom observations and semi-structured interviews. A total of 32 pupils participated in the six-week intervention. The findings suggest that multimodal instructional tools such as the Circle Book can effectively enhance reading comprehension among ESL learners, particularly in resource-constrained rural contexts. The study highlights the potential of low-technology, culturally responsive teaching strategies in improving literacy outcomes.