The Development of a Reading Comprehension Model by Using Mind Mapping with “Edmodo” Program for First-Year English Major of Uttaradit Rajabhat University

Abstract

The research objectives were to: 1) study learners' needs, as well as content and environment affecting the model; 2) develop and test efficiency of the model based on 75/75 standard criterion; 3) compare students’ English reading comprehension ability before and after using the model, including investigate into an effect size;  4) compare students’ mind map writing abilities before and after using the model and its effect size; and 5) investigate the students’ opinions on the model. The sample consisted of 30 first-year English majors, Faculty of Education, Uttaradit Rajabhat University. The research instruments using were: 1) pre and post-tests on reading comprehension and mind mapping abilities, 2) 10 units of reading comprehension lessons, and 3) questionnaires to acquire students’ opinions. The obtained scores from the pre-tests and post-tests were compared using paired sample t-test. Cohen's effect size was used to determine the value of the effect size. The questionnaire investigating students' opinions was then distributed to sample groups. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data derived from five-point Likert scale items in the questionnaires. The results revealed that: 1) the model was efficient at 78.40/78.33; 2) the students’ English reading comprehension ability was significantly higher at .05 level with the effect sizes level of 2.52; 3) the students’ mind map writing ability was significantly higher at .05 level with the effect sizes level of 1.74; and 4) the students’ opinions toward the model were rated high (x̄ =4.45; S.D.=0.14).