The effect of semantic mapping on ESL reading comprehension

Abstract

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 to practice and teach. It is due to this reason that many reading strategies have been proposed by both researchers and educators in an attempt to help readers, especially ESL 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 is because of this that this study attempts to establish the effectiveness of semantic mapping 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 of Black first year students at the Bophuthatswana Nursing College taking Special English were included in this study. The results indicate the superiority of the experimental group when compared to the control groups after completion of the experiment. This implies that semantic mapping is an effective memory strategy which can help improve students' ESL reading comprehension ability.