Fostering creativity and critical literacy: transforming EFL classes with engaging critical media literacy integration

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of critical media literacy integration in the context of English language teaching (ELT) in Indonesian high school students on improving students’ creativity and essential literacy skills. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted in an Indonesian ELT class consisting of 32 high school students. The methodology involved instructing students to analyze various media sources and articles to demonstrate their critical reading abilities before writing creative argumentative essays. Data collection instruments included students’ argumentative essays, teaching observations and students’ self-reflections on their learning experiences. Findings The study revealed that students were capable of creating creative and well-structured argumentative essays. However, their conclusions were often unclear and lacked sound judgments. This indicates that Indonesian EFL students require more practice in forming well-rounded judgments. Media analysis and discussion sessions were found to be significantly beneficial for enhancing critical literacy instruction. Research limitations/implications One limitation of the study is its focus on a single class of 32 students, which may not be representative of all Indonesian high school students. Future studies should consider expanding the sample size and incorporating diverse educational contexts. Practical implications The findings show that integrating critical media literacy (CML) into ELT not only boosts students’ creativity and critical thinking but also helps them tackle real-world challenges, like identifying misinformation in Indonesia’s digital landscape. To make this approach more practical, the study highlights the importance of teacher-led strategies, such as using guiding questions during discussions and modeling how to create media context. These methods align well with Indonesia’s Merdeka Belajar policy, which encourages flexible, student-centered learning. This research provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers and curriculum designers looking to adapt media literacy to the needs of 21st-century learners across Indonesia’s diverse educational settings. Social implications The study highlights the importance of critical media literacy in fostering a more critically aware and socially responsible youth. By enhancing students’ ability to analyze media and creatively develop well-structured arguments critically, critical media literacy integration can contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenry. This is particularly relevant in today’s media-saturated environment, where the ability to discern and evaluate information critically is crucial for democratic participation and social cohesion. Originality/value This research contributes to the limited research on the role of media literacy integration in enhancing students’ creativity and critical literacy within ELT. It highlights the importance of teacher-led discussions in fostering critical thinking skills, providing valuable insights for teachers, practitioners and policymakers aiming to improve media literacy instruction in similar contexts.

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