The effect of semantic mapping on ESL reading comprehension

[摘要] According to researchers, reading is one of the most important aspects of learning.However, it has also proven to be the most complex and therefore the most difficult topractice and teach. It is due to this reason that many reading strategies have beenproposed by both researchers and educators in an attempt to help readers, especiallyESL learners who are faced with an extra burden of an unfamiliar language.However, some of these strategies are said to be more effective than others. It isbecause of this that this study attempts to establish the effectiveness of semanticmapping as a reading strategy.The methodology employed in this study was discussed under four headings: subjects,instrumentation, data collection procedure and design and analysis. A total number ofBlack first year students at the Bophuthatswana Nursing College taking Special Englishwere included in this study.The results indicate the superiority of the experimental group when compared to thecontrol groups after completion of the experiment. This implies that semanticmapping is an effective memory strategy which can help improve students' ESLreading comprehension ability.

[发布机构] North-West University