THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE USE OF WEBTOON AND STUDENTS READINGCOMPREHENSION OF NARRATIVE TEXTS AT SMP NEGERI 2 TAMBANG

Abstract

This study aims to examine the correlation between the use of Webtoon and students’ reading comprehension of narrative texts at SMP Negeri 2
Tambang. In the context of the digital age and the implementation of Indonesia's Merdeka Curriculum, integrating technology into the learning
process becomes essential to enhance student motivation and literacy. Webtoon, as a digital comic platform, offers visual and interactive narratives that can potentially support students’ understanding of narrative structures. This research employed a quantitative correlational design involving 72 eighth-grade students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire focusing on four key indicators: Webtoon usage frequency and motivation, engagement and user experience, reading comprehension self-assessment, and technical usability. The findings revealed a generally positive perception of Webtoon’s use in learning, with average scores across indicators ranging from 3.39 to 3.49 on a 4-point Likert scale. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation test indicated a significant positive correlation between students’ use of Webtoon and their reading comprehension of narrative texts. These results suggest that Webtoon can be a valuable educational tool to improve students’ engagement and comprehension in English reading, especially when aligned with student-centered approaches and the Merdeka Curriculum. The study recommends that educators consider utilizing Webtoon as an alternative medium for enhancing literacy learning outcomes in junior high schools.