Improving Reading Comprehension Skills Using Multimedia Storytelling with Mind Maps for Students with Learning Disabilities in Thailand

Abstract

This study explores the innovative approach of integrating multimedia storytelling with mind maps to enhance reading comprehension for students with learning disabilities (LD). We developed a proposed mobile application and applied it to 36 students with LD from grades 4 to 6 in Bangkok, Thailand. Students were selected using a simple random sampling technique; the lottery method. Students were formally identified as having an LD caused by a reading related disability. The experiment was conducted under a Thai language learning course, following the indicators for reading comprehension skills. The sampling groups included two experimental groups and one control group. We evaluated the test results by comparing the learning outcomes for each sampling group. Students in the three groups practiced their Thai reading comprehension using the same Thai literature, but employing three different learning methods. The first experimental group used tablet PCs with the application installed including multimedia storytelling with mind maps. The second group used tablet PCs that only had multimedia storytelling installed, while the control group learned as the teacher read the stories and used hand-drawn mind mapping. The findings of the experiment clearly showed that the teaching approach using the application accommodated the learners’ weaknesses and built upon their strengths in reading comprehension skills, while the results of the second and third group indicated that without interaction w