Innovating Language Instruction in Madrasah Diniyah: The Use of English Storytelling to Enhance Speaking Skills and Learner’s Well-Being

Authors

Keywords:

English storytelling, Speaking Skill, Madrasah Diniyah, Non-formal education

Abstract

Madrasah Diniyah institutions often face persistent challenges in language instruction, including low student engagement and limited diversity in teaching methodologies. These issues can hinder both linguistic development and overall learner well-being. To address this concern, this study explores the integration of English storytelling as a pedagogical strategy to (1) promote students’ speaking skills and (2) promote their emotional and psychological well-being during the learning process. Employing a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design, the study was conducted over two instructional cycles involving 52 students from Madrasah Diniyah Kanzul Ulum. Data were collected through both quantitative and qualitative methods. Pre-tests and post-tests assessed improvements in speaking performance, focusing on fluency, vocabulary usage, and overall comprehension. Qualitative data were obtained through classroom observations, student questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews with parents to capture behavioral and emotional responses to the intervention. The findings indicate a significant improvement in students’ speaking abilities, with notable gains in verbal expression, confidence, and classroom engagement. Storytelling sessions fostered a dynamic and enjoyable learning environment, encouraging active participation and reducing student anxiety. Furthermore, students developed a stronger emotional connection to the material, which enhanced motivation and fostered a more positive attitude toward learning English. Parental feedback also revealed increased use of simple English expressions at home and greater enthusiasm for attending classes. These outcomes suggest that English storytelling not only supports language acquisition but also contributes to students’ holistic development. Accordingly, it presents a promising instructional approach for enhancing both linguistic proficiency and well-being in non-formal Islamic educational settings.

Author Biographies

Mrs. Rus, Muria Kudus University

Rusiana is a faculty member of English Education Department of Universitas Muria Kudus, Indonesia. She obtained her bachelor degree from UMK and her master degree from Universitas Negeri Semarang. She has been teaching from 2009. Her expertise among others are Teaching Englsh to Young Learners and Extensive Reading. Mainly her researches and community services program are on the two areas. She is the member of Community Service Division of IERA (Indonesia Extensive Reading Association) from 2020 to present. She can be contacted at email: rusiana@umk.ac.id

Mrs. Ning, Muria Kudus University

Nuraeningsih is a member faculty of the English Education Department of Universitas Muria Kudus, Indonesia. She has been teaching English at the university since 2007, soon after she accomplished her bachelor’s and master’s degree in English education. Her interest is in English language teaching, and she has conducted many researches in that area. Her articles have been published in some national journals. She conducted community service also in the same field, including English skills, especially reading skills. She can be contacted at email: nuraeningsih@umk.ac.id

Mr. Agung, Muria Kudus University

Agung Dwi Nurcahyo is currently a faculty member of the English Education Department of Teacher Training and Education Faculty of Universitas Muria Kudus (Muria Kudus University). He earned his Bachelor Degree from the Faculty of Letters of Universitas Diponegoro and Master Degree of English Education from Universitas Negeri Semarang. His research areas are Translation and Applied Linguistics. He can be contacted at email: agung.dwi@umk.ac.id

Mr. Rasheed, Department of English EMEA College of Arts and Science, India

Abdul Rasheed is an assistant Professor in Department of English EMEA College of Arts and Science, India. He has been teaching English as well as researching the ELT for more than 15 years. He concerns his research in English for Specific Purposes. He can be reached in email: rasheedbavu@gmail.com

 

Mrs. Nur, SMK Dato’ Abdul Rahman Yaccob, 77300 Merlimau, Melaka

Nur Syafiqah Yaqqob is an English teacher in one of vocational high school in Melaka. Once she is also an active researcher in English for Communication and ESP. She has been teaching for about 10 years and can be reached in email: nursyafiqahyaqqob@gmail.com

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Published

2025-11-30

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Vol. 4 No. 3 (2025): Journal of English Teaching and Linguistic Issues (JETLI)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Farid Noor Romadlon, Mrs. Rus, Mrs. Ning, Mr. Agung, Mr. Rasheed, Mrs. Nur

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