Assessment of mind mapping as a tool for retention of learning in microbiology among phase II medical students: A mixed methods study
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Date
2024-11
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?Eldaghayes Publisher
Abstract
Background: Medical curriculum is vast and retaining information is a challenge. Mind mapping is a tool that can facilitate retention of information by actively involving the learner in the learning process. Aims and Objectives: Current study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of mind mapping as a tool for knowl- edge retention and revision; and to explore the perceptions of students regarding its utility. Materials and Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted in the Microbiology department involv- ing 73 phase-II medical students. Students were divided into two groups by stratified random sampling ensuring equal distribution of slow, moderate, and fast learners. Group-A consisting of 36 students was trained on the usage of mind maps. After a didactic lecture, group-A used mind mapping whereas group-B, consisting of 37 students, used conven- tional reading for learning and revision. Mean scores of the two groups in MCQ-based test at 1 week and 1 month was compared and statistical significance assessed using independent-sample t-test. Perception of mind mapping among the students was assessed using a questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions and presented in the form of themes. Results: Our study showed significant difference in MCQ scores at 1 week (p < 0.01) showing that mind mapping is a useful tool for knowledge retention. Most of the students perceived mind mapping as a useful tool and opined that it facilitated knowledge retention, saved time during revision, and improved comprehension. Conclusions: Mind mapping aids in retention of knowledge and can be a useful supplementary tool facilitating the students to effectively assimilate the vast medical curriculum.
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Keywords
Mind mapping, Microbiology, Medical Education, Information retrieval
Citation
Kaup S, Gurumurthy R, Srinivas R.. Assessment of mind mapping as a tool for retention of learning in microbiology among phase II medical students: A mixed methods study . National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2024 Nov; 14(11): 2377-2383