Introduction
Complex and intricate network of connections makes Neuroanatomy a difficult subject. Students are expected to know topography, functional connections and clinical significance of these connections. Teaching hours dedicated to Neuroanatomy are less due to overall reduction of time for I medical professional year. Complexity of subject and shortage of time leads to “neurophobia” in students.1 Challenge of Teaching neuroanatomy needs self-explanatory, multidimensional yet tailor made method. Digital tools and 3D physical models are commonly used.2 But learner involvement is minimal in these methods. Mind maps use a 360 approach-a central theme, radially expanding concepts explained using colours, pictures, interrelated & strategic arrangement. Mind maps are interesting, self-explanatory, innovative and can be prepared by students. Mind maps are tools of active learning technics using constructivist theory.3 We conducted this study to compare mind mapping and didactic instructional method in learning neuroanatomy for first MBBS students.
Materials and Methods
Institutional ethical committee clearance was obtained.
Sampling technique
St year medical professional students [80] were devided into two groups by random sampling.
Group I –Mind mapping.
Group II – Didactic lecture.
Data collection Group ILesson plan was followed and explained by using Mind map for 45 minutes followed by clarification of any doubts.
Group IILesson plan prepared and explained topic using black board for 45 minutes followed by clarification of any doubts.
Post test
After the session on spinal cord, Knowledge scores were assessed using pre-validated multiple-choice questionnaire for both the groups immediately by 2 different faculties for 10 minutes.
Same method used for session II on thalamus after crossing the groups.
After mind mapping session, a feedback was obtained from the students regarding perceptions of mind mapping as teaching method using questionnaire on Likert scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree.
Results
Perceptions of students on mind mapping as teaching method
50 to 60% students strongly agreed mind mapping is interesting, innovative and increased attention. 45% strongly agreed the mind mapping made subject easier [Figure 1 about perception of students here].
Knowledge scores
Students of mind mapping groups scored higher than didactic lecture group. In Students of mind mapping groups % age of students scoring higher marks was more than didactic lecture group [Figure 2, Figure 3 about students’ scores here.]
Parametric unpaired t test showed higher mean scores and Non-parametric Mann Whitney u test based on sum of ranks showed higher values in mind mapping group as compared to didactic lecture group. These differences were statistically significant [unpaired t test - p <0.0001, highly significant] [Mann- Whitney u test - p<0.05 significant] [Table 1 about unpaired t test results & Table 2 about Mann -Whitney u test results here.]
Figure 2
Shows marks scored & % of students in study and control groups of first mind mapping session
Figure 3
Shows marks scored & % of students in study and control groups of second mind mapping session [after cross over]
Table 1
Results of quantitative analysis -using unpaired t test
Discussion
Perceptions of students on mind mapping as teaching method
90% students perceived mind mapping interesting, 82.5% said it increased attention and understood content better. 72% students agreed mind mapping is a creative method. 65% students recommended mind maps over traditional method. Students opinion about process included – “loved it”, “enjoyed it”, “very interesting and innovative”. Students suggestions included “should implement throughout academic year”, “I will use it for other subjects”. Results of a Semi structured interview-based study on social science showed that students enjoy creating and learning with mind maps.4 Creating mind maps is difficult as it needs understanding information, conveying it in picture form and thinking strategically. This active thinking and learning help to assimilate the complex information as neuroanatomy. Making students familiar with technique and motivating them is required to achieve good results.5
Knowledge scores of students
Students of study group scored better than control group in both sessions of mind map. Mean score of study group for session I and II were 85% &73% and mean score of control group for session I and II were 50% & 38%. These findings were similar to those West et al. (2000), Hsu (2004), Laight (2004) of Abdolahi et al. (2011), Deshatty & Mokashi [2013] showed the improvement of learning by applying mind mapping.6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Abdolahi reported gross anatomy learning using mind maps is sex dependent. Bilateral use of neuronal networks in female students in studying mind maps helped them score better. 9 active learning, Organising, associating interdependent and non -linear concepts leads to better recall11, 12 Ferrand et al reported mere 10% better recall of facts in mind map using group as compared to self-selected study group.5 Our study showed 35-45% better mean scores in study group. We suggest more complex the topic, more useful can be the mind maps.
Students using mind map for note taking in science showed better learning of concept, academic achievement and attitudes towards science courses.13 Scores are better with Student centred mind maps than teacher centred mind maps. Knowledge, Inductive reasoning, analysis, and approach to solve the problem in different context are integral to critical thinking.14
Limitations
We could not assess effect of mind maps on long term recall, critical thinking and student centre versus teacher centred. These aspects require longitudinal studies. we are planning towards conducting studies.
Conclusions
Students perceived Mind mapping as interesting, innovative and enjoyable method of learning. Mean Knowledge scores of students in mind mapping group were better than students in didactic lecture group. The difference is proved statistically significant by quantitative and qualitative test. We conclude Mind mapping is effective in teaching complex conceptual subjects. Mind mapping, a student-centered teaching learning method because of active participation, analytic thinking and visual presentation helps in better recall.
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