Abstract :
The aim of this study is, by utilizing concept maps, to improve the reading comprehensionskills of C1 level students learning Turkish as a foreign language. Because to study aims to reveal theapplication process of concept mapping, it was designed to be an action research.The research lasted for 8 weeks between 05.20.2014 and 07.10.2014, and was carried out with 11 students in Fatih University’s TÖMER. The education of estimation, question creation, and abstracting among the reading comprehension skills has been carried out via concept maps. Study data were gathered through various qualitative and quantitative data gathering tools such as video and voice records, reflective diary, student’s diary, student studies, observation, strategy assessment papers, and reading comprehension skills. The research has been planned and applied as 4-hour sessions for twice a week during 8 weeks. Researcher thought the strategies by being a model, and then provided the students with the environment for being independent users.The analysis of quantitative data was performed by utilizing SPSS, while the analysis of qualitative data was performed via content analysis. In analysis of qualitative data, MAXQDA software was utilized. As a result of quantitative analyses, it has been seen that the reading comprehension skill of the students has improved. The findings obtained from qualitative data have revealed that, as a result of teaching the reading comprehension skills by utilizing concept mapping technique, the students have shown improvement in their estimation, question creation and abstracting skills.
