Assessing a Grammar of Comics Through Constraints Representing Author Intent

• In Event: 70.067 - Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: 70.067-2 - Literacy: Cognitive and Affective Factors

Abstract

Although students are reading comics and graphic novels, playing video games, and navigating the Internet, research has yet to determine precisely how readers are able to coalesce integrated texts and how educators can establish a pedagogy for teaching them. This study proposes a grammar of the four-panel comic that designates constraints illustrating author intent. To test the grammar, twelve comics are scored against items on a rubric, then participants rearrange the comic panels to try matching the author. Results show that the more constraints authors place in comics, the more closely participants match the author order. Findings support the efficacy of the grammar, which has implications for educators looking to improve students’ reading comprehension and writing skills.

Author

• Dawnelle Henretty, Oakland University