Document Type : Original Research Paper
Author
Faculty of English Language and Literature, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Abstract: The main goal of this study was to investigate the role of computer-assisted concept mapping
technique in improving learners’ autonomy and vocabulary retention. To this aim, different concepts along with
related words to each concept were selected. Then, a general English test was administered as the pretest of the
study and 28 learners falling within ± 1 SD were selected and were randomly assigned into two groups: control
and experimental. Then, vocabulary items were taught to the groups based on two different teaching processes.
The teaching process consisted of two phases for the experimental group. In the first phase, learners were to fill
in the blanks in the concept mapping diagram with the target words of the study. In the second phase, learners
were solicited to expand the diagram until they reach the main concepts or target words. Afterward, the learners
were asked to exchange their diagrams with their peers via hyper-terminal program. On the other hand,
vocabulary items were taught to the control group conventionally that is, by providing antonyms and synonyms.
After the treatment period, immediate and delayed post-tests were administered to both groups. To analyze the
collected data and to compare the performance of the two groups on the immediate and delayed post-tests,
independent t-tests were run. Subsequently, an interview was done with the subjects in the experimental group to
elicit their opinion about the computer–assisted concept mapping technique. The findings of the study showed
that employing computer assisted concept mapping technique had affected learners’ autonomy and vocabulary
retention positively. Moreover, the results of the interview signaled learners’ satisfaction with the technique.
Keywords
Main Subjects
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