IMPROVING READING SKILLS OF HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS USING THE CLUSTER METHOD
Keywords:
cluster method, reading comprehension, higher education, mind mapping, graphic organizers, information retention, academic literacy, EFL instruction.Abstract
This article investigates the effectiveness of the cluster method as a pedagogical strategy for improving reading comprehension among higher education students dealing with complex academic and narrative texts. Implemented through graphic organizers, mind mapping, and concept mapping, the cluster method is examined as an effective tool for enhancing reading skills. Drawing on seventeen scholarly sources, the study synthesizes findings from multiple empirical investigations involving university students. The methodology encompasses three stages: pre-reading activation of ideas, structural organization during reading, and post-reading synthesis. Quantitative findings reveal that students using the cluster method consistently outperform those taught through traditional instructional techniques, with some studies reporting improvements of up to 54 percent. Qualitative evidence indicates that learners perceive the method as an effective cognitive scaffold that reduces memory load and improves understanding of textual structure. The study concludes that the cluster method is a valuable approach for fostering academic literacy and long-term information retention in the educational environment of Society 5.0.
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