The Role of Semantic Mapping Strategy Training on Students’ EFL Vocabulary Development

Abstract

This study examined the role of semantic mapping in cultivating the vocabulary competence of grade 8 students of Arsi Negelle Number 1 Elementary School. The sample of the study consisted of 112 students enrolled in two sections, which were randomly selected from five sections and assigned to both treatment and control groups. Quasi experimental design was used in this study. A vocabulary pre-test was given to both groups at the beginning of the study to make sure that they were equivalent and homogenous at the initial stage of the study. The treatment group received semantic mapping as vocabulary teaching/learning technique, but the control group did not receive this treatment. At the end of the study, the same test was given to the two groups to investigate the effect of semantic mapping vocabulary teaching technique in cultivating their word knowledge. The results revealed significant differences between the groups in favor of the treatment group, that is, the treatment group outperformed the control group in vocabulary learning. Therefore, it can be suggested that semantic mapping can be used as an efficient technique for vocabulary teaching.