Knowledge maps improve comprehension in therapeutics

The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge mapping as an educational tool to improve comprehension in two modules of a therapeutics course. Two groups of students attended either the gastrointestinal or cardiovascular modules taught with traditional outlines. After testing, they crossed over to the opposite module which was taught with knowledge maps. This module was followed by an examination testing identical concepts as the previous groups. Students also completed a Likert-scale questionnaire to assess their attitude toward knowledge mapping. The mean score on the gastrointestinal exam increased from 80.2 to 84.7 (P<0.05). Likewise, mean score on the cardiovascular exam increased from 78.3 to 88.2 (P<0.001). Questionnaires indicated that students found knowledge maps easier to study than traditional outlines. The students also stated that knowledge maps were useful in logically grouping information and in depicting interrelationships between concepts.