The effects of semantic mapping, thematic clustering, and notebook keeping on L2 vocabulary recognition and production

This study investigated the effects of semantic mapping, thematic clustering, and notebook keeping on L2 vocabulary recognition and production. Three experimental groups consisted of semantic mapping, semantic feature analysis, and vocabulary notebook keeping. The fourth group served as the comparison group. During the treatment, the participants of the four groups were presented with the same vocabulary items but using different techniques. At the end of the experimental period, a multiple choice and a fill-in the-blanks posttest were administered. Data were analysed using two separate one-way ANOVA procedures. Results indicated that all three experimental conditions were more effective than the comparison condition on both vocabulary recognition and production. Results also showed that semantic feature analysis was more effective than semantic mapping, which in turn, was more effective than vocabulary notebook keeping on Iranian EFL learners’ vocabulary production.

semantic mapping, thematic clustering, notebook, vocabulary