Digital English Flipbook for Reading Comprehension: An R&D Study in Secondary Education

Abstract

Developing effective English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching modules is essential to create an engaging learning environment, particularly for reading comprehension. This study aimed to develop a digital English module built around Saparua Island's local wisdom using Flipbook to enhance the reading comprehension skills of high school students. Employing an educational research and development (R&D) method based on the Borg and Gall model, the study was conducted at SMA Negeri 7 Maluku Ten gah. Data collection involved evaluations by two material and educational technology experts to measure validity, alongside fieldwork with 30 eleventh-grade students to assess practicality and effectiveness. The results demonstrated that all dimensions of the digital module achieved the ceiling score of 4.00 (Out of 4.00) in expert validations with initial feedback praising its content organization and visual appeal. Furthermore, the operational field try-out showed significant improvements in students’ reading comprehension skills and learning engagement, evidenced by high assessment scores and highly favorable feedback. Consequently, this flipbook module serves as a highly effective digital learning resource to support EFL instruction and foster students’ reading comprehension skills.