The Effect of Metacognitive Strategies Training on Reading Comprehension of Field-dependent / Field- independent Learners

Subject Areas : All areas of language and translation

Mehdi Sheykhi ¹ ( English Teaching Department, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran )
Zohre Mohamadi ² ( English Teaching Department, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran )

Received: 2017-02-22 Accepted : 2017-02-22 Published : 2016-09-01

Keywords: learning styles, reading comprehension, Field dependent and field independent learners, Cognitive and metacognitive strategy training,

Abstract :

This study investigated how English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners with different learning styles (Field dependent and field independent) boost up their reading comprehension abilities as they develop their metacognitive skills. To conduct this research, 60 participants were randomly invited to sit PET (Preliminary English Test) to ensure homogeneity of the participants in terms of language proficiency level. A Group Embedded Figure Test (GEFT) was then administered to distinguish field dependent and field independent learners. Two groups of 30 students were made; field dependent and field independent groups. Prior to any instruction on metacognitive strategy, groups of students attended a reading test as a pretest. Students were then received instruction with the focus on metacognitive strategies including inferring meaning through word analysis, using background knowledge, guessing the later topic, center- ing learning, arranging and planning leaning and elaborating as a treatment. After the instruction was completed the students were given a posttest in relation to the reading skills. The within and between group analysis of data gathered from this quasi experimental research using a series of t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that field dependent learners outperformed field independent learners in reading comprehension after the treatment. The finding suggested a need for principled decisions and planning on metacognitive strategy training in language teaching and materials development.

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