The Role of Multimedia Storytelling in Fostering Empathy and Intercultural Competence among ۱۰th-grade High School Students in an EFL Context

Given the global prominence of English and the intrinsic connection between language and culture, achieving intercultural competence has become an essential objective in EFL learning. This study examines the role of multimedia storytelling, a form of narrative expression that combines visuals, audio, and text to create an immersive experience, in fostering empathy and cultural sensitivity among ۱۰th-grade high school students learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL), addressing the limitations of Iranian English textbooks in incorporating intercultural aspects. The research compares the effectiveness of multimedia storytelling with traditional storytelling methods in enhancing intercultural sensitivity and empathy. Thirty ۱۰th-grade students were selected randomly and assigned randomly to two groups: one was treated with multimedia storytelling and the other with traditional storytelling for ۱۰ sessions, two sessions each week. A mixed-methods approach was employed, administering a questionnaire to measure students' intercultural competence using Deardorff's intercultural model. To validate the quantitative data and ensure the reliability of numerical results, an interview was conducted to explore participants' feelings and further analyze their intercultural competence. Data analysis revealed that students in the multimedia storytelling group outperformed those in the traditional storytelling group, demonstrating a significant impact of multimedia storytelling on student engagement and learning outcomes. The results support the potential of multimedia storytelling in improving understanding, retention, and engagement, particularly in EFL contexts. This study revealed that integrating multimedia storytelling into educational curricula could enhance empathy and cultural sensitivity among language learners.

کلیدواژه ها:

Multimedia storytelling ، intercultural competence ، empathy ، EFL learning