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The use of concept maps for developing children´s reading and writing skills in a foreign-language classroom

Abstract:

The Meaningful Learning Theory is attributed to David Ausubel. According to this theory, students are considered to be the center of the teaching learning process, and the teachers are the facilitators. Meaningful Learning occurs when the new information is related to prior knowledge. So, basing his ideas on Ausubel`s theory, Joseph Novak elaborated a technique which he named Concept Mapping or Concept Maps . A Concept Map represents students´ knowledge as a hierarchical structure of concepts and prepositions whereby the learners relate new information to ideas that the learners already know. The purpose of this thesis is to facilitate the process of reading and writing for students in a foreign language class through the creation of a didactic guide which will be used for children of the Seventh Level of Basic Education in Ecuador. In the didactic guide teachers can find many activities using concept maps in which students read and write in a fun way. Also, each child can work with other students and share ideas with others and with the teacher