Developing creative reading skills through graphic organizers among Saudi EFL learners

A quasi-experimental study investigated the impact of graphic organizer instruction on developing creative reading skills among 43 male freshmen English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at Al-Jouf College of Technology in Saudi Arabia. The research aimed to address a pedagogical gap in higher-order literacy skills, specifically creative reading, which has been historically underemphasized in EFL education.

Why it matters

Addressing underdeveloped higher-order literacy skills like creative reading is crucial for enhancing cognitive capabilities and critical thinking across educational systems. Improving these skills can lead to more adaptable and innovative learners, better prepared for complex problem-solving in academic and professional contexts.

Key insights

• Creative reading is identified as a critical higher-order literacy skill yet is often neglected in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) pedagogy.
• A gap exists in experimental research regarding the systematic application of graphic organizer instruction to foster creative reading skills in Saudi higher education.
• The study employed a quasi-experimental design involving 43 male freshmen EFL students.
• An experimental group (n=22) received instruction incorporating five types of graphic organizers: Venn diagram, KWL chart, concept mapping, and fishbone diagram.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1820015