Facilitating Reading Comprehension among ESL Learners Using Graphic Organizers

Abstract

Efficiency in reading permits students to grasp their understanding of reading materials better. Nevertheless, previous research illustrates that ESL students face difficulties in understanding the reading materials assigned to them. The current approach which focuses on students lifting specific information in the text to answer the reading comprehension questions at the end of the text hinders students’ understanding of the text as well as does not encourage students to experience reading as meaningful and engaging activity. Thus, this exploratory study attempts to bridge the gap by employing graphic organizers or GOs as a tool to facilitate students’ reading comprehension skill. A quasi experimental study was used for this study on Form Four students at one of the schools in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Form Four students from four different classes were chosen randomly. Prior to the study, a pre-questionnaire and a reading test were distributed to the students and at the end of the study, they were given a post-questionnaire and a post- reading test. The findings showed that the students in the experimental groups gained positive results in their reading test compared to their other counterparts in the control group. In addition, the students’ perception of reading also differs. This study highlights the potential of employing graphic organizers to facilitate ESL students’ comprehension skill.