The effectiveness of using I-Think maps in teaching of essays in general studies subject

Suppiah Nachiappan

Abstract

This study aims to identify the teaching methods used by the General Studies subject teachers to teach writing essays in schools. In addition, the method of using i-Think map by teachers to assist students in writing essays of General Studies subject and its effectiveness is also analyzed in this study. Qualitative approaches with the Hermeneutics method have been used in this study. A total of 14 respondents were involved in this study. Respondents were selected from among teachers who teach General Studies subject in Kinta Utara district, Perak. Then, five teachers from the number of respondents were chosen to interview. Instruments used in this study are questionnaires and interview questions. The data collected were analyzed using the Hermeneutical method. The results show that most teachers use the i-Think round maps to teach essay writing of General Studies subject, especially during content discussion is being conducted. The use of the i-Think round maps is also very effective in enhancing understanding and helping students to remember important contents. The implication of the study shows that the use of iThink round maps can improve students' achievement on the essays writing of General Studies subject.

References

1. Buzan, B., & Buzan, T. (2003). The Mind Map Book. London: BBC Worldwide Limited.

2. Hyerle, D., & Yeager. (2007). Thinking Maps: A Language for Learning. US: Thinking Maps Inc.

3. Hwa, T.G. (2004). Masalah Pembelajaran Sejarah: Satu Kajian Tindakan. Tesis Sarjana. Universiti Utara Malaysia.

4. Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia. (2013). Pelan Pembangunan Pendidikan Malaysia, 2013 –2025. Malaysia: Putrajaya.

5. Loganathan, K. (1992). Hermeneutic analysis of discourse. Thiruvananthapuram: International School of Dravidian Linguistics.

6. Loganathan, K. (1996). Metaphysica universalis of meykandar. London: World Saiva Council.

7. Mueller, V. K. (1997). The hermeneutics reader. New York: The Continnum Publishing Company.

8. Rosli, M. M. & Sidek, S. (2013). Innovation and firm performance: evidence from Malaysian small and medium enterprises. Paper presented at the 20th International Business Information Management Conference (IBIMA). International Business Information Management Association, pp. 794-809.

9. Sabar, S., & Khalid, M. (2005). Kertas Konsep Faktor-faktor Graduan Berkerjaya Memilih Kursus Pengurusan Lepasan Ijazah-Pengkhususan Sekolah Rendah. Jurnal Penyelidikan MPBL.6: 35-52.

10. Suppiah, N. (2003). Proses kognitif dalam penulisan esei melalui analisis hermeneutik. Pulau Pinang: Universiti Sains Malaysia. Tesis Doktor Falsafah (tesis yang tidak diterbitkan).

11. Taha, M. (2004). Belajar Cara Mudah. Peningkatan Minda. Pusat Pengajian Umum Bangi: UKM