THE EFFECTS OF MIND MAPPING ON THE 6TH GRADERS’ VOCABULARY RETENTION: A CASE STUDY AT TAM BINH SECONDARY SCHOOL

Autor/innen

  • Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chieu English Teacher, Tam Binh Secondary School, Ngu Hiep Ward, MA Candidate, Dong Thap University, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam
  • Huynh Thi Nhi English Lecturer, Dong Thap University, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam
  • Tran Thanh Tam English Lecturer, Dong Thap University, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejel.v11i1.6587

Schlagwörter:

mind mapping, vocabulary retention, Grade 6 students, EFL, mixed-methods research

Abstract

Vocabulary acquisition and retention remain major challenges for lower-secondary EFL learners in Vietnam, particularly for Grade 6 students who are transitioning to a more demanding English curriculum. This study investigated the effects of mind mapping on Grade 6 students’ vocabulary retention and explored their perceptions of using mind mapping in vocabulary learning at Tam Binh Secondary School. A mixed-methods research design was employed with two intact Grade 6 classes: an experimental group receiving vocabulary instruction through mind mapping and a control group taught using traditional techniques. Quantitative data were collected through pre-tests, immediate post-tests, and delayed post-tests, while qualitative data were gathered from student questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations. The results showed that the experimental group achieved significantly higher scores than the control group in both immediate and delayed post-tests, indicating that mind mapping improved short-term vocabulary learning and long-term retention. Qualitative findings also revealed that most students perceived mind mapping as engaging and helpful for organizing and remembering vocabulary. Classroom observations further showed increased student participation and collaborative learning during mind mapping activities. In general, the study suggests that mind mapping is an effective instructional strategy for enhancing vocabulary retention and learner engagement among Grade 6 EFL learners.

Autor/innen-Biografien

  • Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chieu, English Teacher, Tam Binh Secondary School, Ngu Hiep Ward, MA Candidate, Dong Thap University, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam

    Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chieu is currently an English teacher at Tam Bình Secondary School in Đồng Tháp Province, Vietnam. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching from Can Tho University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Theory and Methodology of English Language Teaching at Dong Thap University. With more than ten years of teaching experience, she has worked with students at various educational levels. Her academic interests focus on English language pedagogy, second language acquisition, and innovative teaching strategies aimed at improving students’ vocabulary learning and communicative competence in EFL contexts. She can be contacted at ngocchieu.tg@gmail.com.

  • Huynh Thi Nhi, English Lecturer, Dong Thap University, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam

    Dr. Huynh Thi Nhi is an Academic Consultant at SADEC Education and a visiting lecturer at Dong Thap University and Mekong University, Vietnam. She holds a PhD in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics from the Social Science Academic Institution in Ho Chi Minh City. With over 40 years of teaching experience, her interests focus on English language pedagogy, language acquisition, and the development of effective English training programs. She can be reached at htnhi@dthu.edu.vn.

  • Tran Thanh Tam, English Lecturer, Dong Thap University, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam

    Dr. Tran Thanh Tam is currently the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Dong Thap University, Vietnam. With 17 years of teaching experience and a PhD in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics from Wuhan University, China, he specializes in Chinese language pedagogy and language acquisition. His academic and administrative work focuses on enhancing teaching quality, developing Chinese language skills training programs, and promoting effective language learning strategies. He can be reached at tttam@dthu.edu.vn

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2026-03-16

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Bd. 11 Nr. 1 (2026)

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