Multimodal Learning Approach in the English as a Second Language Education in a Writing Classroom for Higher Education Context: A Systematic Literature Review

Nurin Erdiani Mhd Fadzil, Harwati Hashim, Nur Ainil Sulaiman

Nurin Erdiani Mhd Fadzil, Harwati Hashim, Nur Ainil Sulaiman

Keywords: English as a second language, systematic literature review; multimodal learning; writing skills; approaches; higher learning

Abstract

Multimodal learning approach in English as a Second Language (ESL) has become a growing trend in sustaining education at higher learning institutions. The impact of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 on education has made the integration of various modes and technology are vital in the teaching and learning dyad. The reviews on multimodal learning in ESL writing classroom are inadequate despite its great significance in sustaining education. Therefore, this systematic literature review presents an extensive review and analysis of existing studies of multimodal learning approach in the English as a Second Language context for writing skills. The study’s main aim is to explore the effectiveness of multimodal learning in the English as a Second Language context for the writing skills. The study follows the PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines for systematic literature reviews, investigating peer-reviewed articles from the SCOPUS and ERIC databases (2020 – 2024). Seventeen (17) studies were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings indicate growing research interest in multimodal learning approach in the ESL context for writing skills. The findings provide invaluable insights regarding the additional elements of multimodal learning approach that should be added in teaching and learning by both students and teachers. Additional elements derived from students’ and teachers’ are aesthetic value, typography, contextual signal, inclusive pedagogical ideas, incorporating technology and incorporating artificial intelligence. To summarise, these findings suggest that stakeholders should take the appropriate measures to effectively implement an extensive additional element in using multimodal learning approach in teaching and learning, and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all.