Evaluating Mind-Mapping as a Tool to Enhance Learning Amongst College Students in Nursing

Purpose: Mind-mapping has been shown to be a means by which to visualize learning strategies and develop pro-active learners.  However, the use of mind-mapping as indicated in the nursing education literature is limited. This study seeks to extend our understanding of mind-mapping as a tool in enhancing learning amongst college students in nursing.

Methods: Using a quasi-experiment design, data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires during the intervention and through learning diaries.  50 participants were recruited using non-random, purposive sampling.  Pre-test assessment focused on the learning strategies of third year high junior college nursing students; the mind-mapping approach was implemented and the post-test assessment concentrated on changes in the students’ learning outcomes.  Questionnaire data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.  The learning diaries provided supplementary qualitative data. 

Results: The results of the research showed that learning mind mapping can enhance participants’ learning skills. Mind Mapping helped students to understand the text of the course and to organize the notes by using keywords. Although the experimental group showed improvement in their overall learning outcomes, there was no significant difference. However, the items of questionnaires as "I will find time to review course content after class" (t=2.24, p<0.05), "I will try to find something which I did not understand from the reading" (t=2.51, p<0.05), "I will figure out the problems or questions after the class " (t=2.84, p<0.05), "When I was studying I tried to understand the text content" (t=3.02, p<0.01) were statistically significant. These results indicate a positive change in students’ learning strategies through the application of mind mapping.

Conclusion: This study provides support for mind mapping teaching in the classroom, that helped to promote and increase the diversity of teaching, and improved students’ motivation to learn and their learning outcomes.