Using Mind Maps to Develop EFL Preparatory Stage Pupils' English Reading Comprehension Skills

The present study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of using mind maps strategy in developing EFL preparatory stage pupil's reading comprehension skills. To achieve the purpose of the study, one instrument was designed and conducted by the researcher. A pre-post reading comprehension test was administrated to assess the pupils' reading comprehension skills level before and after being exposed to the treatment. The study adopted the quasi-experimental design. The participants of the study consisted of 80 female pupils randomly chosen from EFL first year preparatory stage pupils in Girls Preparatory School in Belqas. They were randomly assigned into two groups: the experimental group was exposed to mind maps strategy and one control group received the convential teaching following the prescribed Teacher's Guide procedures. Results of the study revealed that using mind maps were substantially effective in developing EFL pupil's reading comprehension skills. A number of recommendations concerning the use of mind maps were presented.
Keywords: mind maps, reading comprehension