Application of electronic concept maps in the teaching of μedical Microbiology

Abstract:

The effect of electronic concept maps on promoting the teaching of Medical Microbiology was investigated. The students were divided into two groups, test and control groups. The test group was required to accomplish the electronic concept maps and questionnaire, then took the same closed-book exam with the control group. The students’ test scores were analyzed by SPSS (solutions statistical package for the social sciences) and the completed questionnaire were discussed and evaluated. In the course of the study, teachers made the scaffolds of the concept maps and the students in the test group completed the mappings on them, and the teacher gave feedbacks afterwards. Significant difference in the total scores and the scores of term explanation was found between two groups. The results of the questionnaire showed that most of the test group students thought that the electronic concept maps were helpful to promote their understanding and memory. Concept maps reveal the thinking process of human brain, and show the divergent thought. Therefore, concept maps can improve the understanding and the scores in Medical Microbiology studies and are a powerful assistant in Medicine teaching.