Publication Date

5-2017

Abstract

Using imagery as a strategy for language learning may be helpful to encode linguistic forms into conceptual networks for long-term memory. Based on Arwood’s neuroeducation model of language learning, this research evaluated the effect of imagery in Chinese character writing by English-speaking adolescent students. After comparing imagery effects under three instructional conditions (i.e., English translation, pictorial presentation, and verbal-contextual interpretation), the results showed that the use of imagery predicted significantly better writing results in the immediate and one-week writing tests, but not in the four-week writing test. Cognitive analyses found that imagery was commonly used as a mediational strategy in the pictorial and verbal-contextual methods in the early learning phases. The pictorial method mainly elicited perceptual visual patterns which failed to support sustained memory. For a better character encoding and retrieval, images had to be generated associated with sufficient and relevant contextual information.

Author Supplied Keywords

Imagery, Neuroeducation, Chinese character writing, Memory, Mediational strategy

Subjects

Languages, Modern--Study and teaching

Publication Information

Coryright © 2015 David Publishing Company

Archived version is the final published version.

DOI

10.17265/1539-8072/2017.05.002

Peer-Reviewed

No

Document Type

Journal Article

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