Listening instead of reading: using network drawing task as a re-constructed method and measure of knowledge in mind

The trend of podcast and audiobook listening is on the rise, thus paving the way for a new, popular learning environment. It is crucial to deliberate on the influence of multiple-text listening comprehension. This research aimed to explore the impact of conceptual network processing on multiple-text comprehension performance from the perspective of long-term working memory (LT-WM). Additionally, it examined the sensitivity of a concept network analysis measure in facilitating the construction of conceptual structures during text listening. To this end, 128 participants were randomly assigned to four different treatment groups. These groups varied in terms of text order (theoretical text followed by applied text or vice versa) and post-listening network drawing tasks. Participants either drew concept maps using key terms specific to each text or irrelevant terms as a control group. After completing both texts, all participants were required to complete a final multi-document network drawing task. Finally, a multiple-choice delayed test was administered three days later. The findings suggest that conceptual networks in LT-WM significantly influence multiple-text comprehension performance. Furthermore, the network drawing task appears to be an effective method for reconstructing knowledge structures in LT-WM, serving as a complementary measure to the MCT in assessing listening comprehension.