The use of semantic mapping to develop vocabulary learning among year four pupils in a primary school in the rural area of Pahang

Siti Norbaya Mohd Radzuan

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Type :	thesis
Subject :	LB Theory and practice of education
Main Author :	Siti Norbaya Mohd Radzuan
Title :	The use of semantic mapping to develop vocabulary learning among year four pupils in a primary school in the rural area of Pahang

Place of Production :	Tanjong Malim
Publisher :	Fakulti Bahasa dan Komunikasi
Year of Publication :	2023
Corporate Name :	Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
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Abstract : Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

This study aimed at investigating the use of semantic mapping in vocabulary learning among a group of Year Four pupils in a primary school located in the rural area of Pahang. Despite the importance of vocabulary in ESL learning, quite a number of Malaysian pupils are still having a limited vocabulary, shown through the palpable view of their poor English performance. Using the quasi-experimental mixed-method design, data were gained by conducting pre- and post-tests, distributing a questionnaire to the pupils in the experimental group, and conducting an interview with three pupils selected using the purposive sampling method in order to further understand how the participants view the use of semantic mapping for vocabulary learning. Interestingly, despite an improvement made by both control and experimental groups in the post-test, the total improvement scores for the latter exceeded the former. The survey conducted showed that a majority of pupils in the experimental group had a high level of agreement in the use of semantic mapping for vocabulary learning. The data from the interview also supported these findings as the participants affirmed that using semantic mapping made their vocabulary learning easy. They found that the strategy helped them to learn and memorise words better. In conclusion, the use of semantic mapping can significantly develop pupils’ vocabulary learning and helps pupils to memorise words better. The implication of this study has provided an understanding of how semantic mapping can be used to develop vocabulary learning among pupils. It has helped them to understand and make use of their vocabulary knowledge, resulting in more effective vocabulary learning.

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