Applications of the Mind Map Learning Technique in Chiropractic Education: A Pilot Study and Literature Review

Abstract

To present a review of the literature and survey results of student satisfaction after using the mind map learning technique. Fourteen third-year physical therapy students enrolled in a doctoral neurorehabilitation course were required to create a mind map based upon the lecture presentation and assigned reading for 6 diagnoses. The students were asked to complete a post-course survey to assess their perceptions of the usefulness of the mind map learning technique in improving organization and integration of course material. Although the subject pool was limited to 14 students, 10 out of 14 agreed that the mind map learning technique enabled them to better organize/integrate material presented in the course, while only 2 disagreed. The final 2 students responded neutrally when asked if the mind map learning technique assisted them in organizing/integrating course material. However, these 2 students did agree the technique enabled them to recognize areas in which further study was necessary for them to adequately master the course material. While the data obtained from this limited educational experience offers some support for the use of the mind map learning technique in promoting course material integration and learning in physical therapy education, further work is needed to explore its usefulness in chiropractic education.