Cooperative Learning and Mind Mapping for Developing English Reading Ability of Second-Year Computer Science Students

Cooperative learning and reading skills are the most necessary skills in 21st century. However, some Thai university students faced some problems in English reading skills. They are not interested in reading, so interesting teaching methods should be used to motivate and develop their ability in reading. This study could potentially apply cooperative and mind mapping methods. This study aimed to 1) study the effects of cooperative learning combined with mind mapping on English reading ability of second-year computer science students, 2) compare English reading ability before and after the intervention, and 3) investigate students’ satisfaction toward cooperative learning combined with mind mapping. The sample comprised 18 second-year computer science students selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included cooperative learning lesson plans combined with mind mapping, an English reading ability test, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and t-test. The results indicate that: 1) English reading ability after the intervention was at high level. 2) English reading ability after learning was significantly higher than before learning at the.05 level, and 3) students had high satisfaction toward cooperative learning combined with mind mapping overall.