Students and Teachers’ Perceptions towards the Effectiveness of Using Mind-Mapping Technique in Note- Taking (Case Study: First Year LMD Students of English at Chadli Bendjedid University, El Tarf)

Abstract

Since taking notes is a necessity at university classes, English as Foreign Language (EFL) students are always wondering about the way they are going to use to accurately capture key information and main ideas. Usually, they tend to use the traditional way that involves linear notes; it is a time consuming and hard to retrieve, when they can simply shift their attention to using a creative note-taking method i.e. mind mapping. This research work aims at investigating both EFL teachers and students’ attitudes towards the importance of using mind- mapping strategy in improving EFL students’ note taking skills. To achieve such an aim, two questionnaires are addressed to both five written expression teachers and forty first year License Master Doctorate (LMD) students of English at Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University. The data analysis reveals that both teachers and students have positive perceptions towards using mind mapping strategy and its effect in enhancing EFL students’ note-taking skill. In the light of what has been discussed, a set of recommendations has been proposed to raise both teachers and students’ awareness about the importance of using such a technique and its effects in increasing EFL learners’ levels and achievements as well.