Starfall as a Catalyst for Kuwaiti EFL Young Learners’ Reading Comprehension: A Teacher’s Reflections

Ruba Bataineh; May Bader Al-Ghareeb

doi:10.29333/ejecs/2338

Authors

Ruba Bataineh https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5454-2206
May Al-Ghareeb https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2844-420X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/2338

Keywords:

EFL, Kuwait, reading comprehension, second-grade, Starfall

Abstract

This study examines the effect of a Starfall-based instructional program on second-grade pupils’ reading comprehension in a Kuwaiti public school in the first semester of the academic year 2023/2024. The participants were divided into a control group taught conventionally per the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and an experimental group taught using Starfall-based instruction. Using an observation card and a teacher’s journal, the research highlights improvements in the experimental group’s engagement, motivation and comprehension. Emerging themes include increased student participation, improved classroom dynamics, and technology integration as a catalyst for literacy. The findings emphasize the potential of interactive applications, of which Starfall is one, to support EFL instruction. The researchers put forth practical recommendations for incorporating technology in the early-grade EFL classroom, as the findings provide valuable insights for educators aiming to innovate EFL teaching practices.

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Author Biographies

Ruba Bataineh

Ruba Fahmi Bataineh is a professor of TESOL at the Department of Curriculum and Methods of Instruction at Yarmouk University, Jordan. Prof. Bataineh has published extensively on pragmatics, literacy, CALL, and teacher education in renowned international and regional journals. She is also an affiliate of professional organizations and a member of the advisory, editorial and/or review boards of several regional and international journals.

May Al-Ghareeb

May Bader Alghareeb is currently an EFL teacher at Othman Al-Othman Primary School. She is also a doctoral candidate in the TEFL program at Yarmouk University (Irbid, Jordan). Under the supervision of Prof. Ruba Fahmi Bataineh, Ms. Alghareeb is expected to defend her dissertation by December 2024. Her research interests include CALL, TEFL, and teacher education.

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