AI-Assisted Evaluation of Emotional and Aesthetic Dimensions in Grade 8 English Reading Assessments: Alignment with the PISA 2022 Literacy Framework

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/paic.2694

Keywords:

AI in Education, Aesthetic Principles, Merdeka Curriculum, PISA 2022 Literacy Framework, Reading for Emotion

Abstract

Indonesia faces a persistent learning crisis in which students can decode texts but struggle with comprehension, reflected in low PISA 2022 (69th out of 81 countries) and English Proficiency Index rankings (79th out of 113 countries). Despite multiple curriculum reforms, limited attention has been given to the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of reading assessments. This study aims to evaluate the alignment of Grade 8 reading assessments in the textbook English for Nusantara (2022) with the PISA 2022 Literacy Framework, Reading for Emotion, and neuroaesthetic principles. Using a qualitative design with deductive content analysis supported by Qwen AI, tasks were coded against a predetermined matrix. Findings indicate limited alignment with the PISA 2022 Literacy Framework, as the assessments predominantly emphasize surface-level comprehension while offering minimal engagement with higher-order, emotional, and aesthetic dimensions. The study highlights the need to strengthen critical, affective, and aesthetic dimensions in assessment design.

Author Biographies

Indah Fitri Nurhidayah, Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon

Indah Fitri Nurhidayah is a student in the English Language Education Department at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Indonesia. Her research interests include reading literacy, language assessment, textbook evaluation, and ELT materials development, particularly the integration of cognitive, affective, and aesthetic dimensions into reading assessment to promote student engagement and critical literacy.

Cindi Aulia, Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon

Cindi Aulia is an English Language Teaching Department student at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Indonesia. She is interested in language learning, reading activities, and creative approaches to English education. She actively develops her academic and teaching skills through coursework, collaborative projects, and educational activities. Her interests also include learner engagement and the use of meaningful learning experiences to support students’ understanding and motivation in English learning.

Nurhusni Yusriyyah Yumna, Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon

Nurhusni Yusriyyah Yumna is currently a fourth-semester student in the English Language Education program at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Indonesia. She is actively developing her academic competencies in English language learning, with a particular focus on reading literacy and creative approaches to language and literature instruction in EFL classrooms. She also engages in practical academic activities that support her understanding of educational practices and professional communication in academic settings.

Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon

Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. is the director of the International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati in Cirebon, Indonesia, and a researcher and educator in English Language Teacher Education. His research focuses on language pedagogy, technology-enhanced learning, and critical literacy. He holds a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Literacy Studies from Charles Darwin University in Australia. He creates cutting-edge solutions for educational environments with limited resources and is a pioneer in multimodal computer-assisted language learning (CALL). Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. co-hosts the Teaching and Learning English with AsiaCALL podcast and is the Editor-in-Chief of ELT ECHO. His multidisciplinary approach fosters equitable, student-centered learning by fusing language instruction, technology, and neuroscience.

Muhsiyana Nurul Aisyiyah, Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon

Muhsiyana Nurul Aisyiyah, M.Hum. is an academic and lecturer at the UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, where she has consistently demonstrated a high level of dedication and is known for her active involvement in English language instruction as well as her deep engagement in the Teacher Professional Education program, aimed at enhancing the pedagogical competence and professionalism of educators in Indonesia.

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Published

2026-07-23

How to Cite

Nurhidayah, I. F., Aulia, C., Yumna, N. Y., Sudimantara, L. B., & Aisyiyah, M. N. (2026). AI-Assisted Evaluation of Emotional and Aesthetic Dimensions in Grade 8 English Reading Assessments: Alignment with the PISA 2022 Literacy Framework. Proceedings of the AsiaCALL International Conference, 9, 63–78. https://doi.org/10.54855/paic.2694

Issue

Vol. 9 (2026): AI in Language Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions (AsiaCALL2025)

Section

Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2026 Indah Fitri Nurhidayah, Cindi Aulia, Nurhusni Yusriyyah Yumna

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