The Effect of Concept Map Technique on Students’ Cognitive Load and Academic Success in Anatomy Course

Abstract

Introduction: Anatomy has too many details to memorize. Therefore, students need alternative means of education. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of concept mapping techniques on anatomy learning. Methods: The participants consisted of two groups: control and experimental. Before the training, the student introduction form and pretest were applied to both groups. The theoretical course was taught to the control group using classical methods and to the experimental group using a concept map. At the end of the lesson, the experimental group was asked to study with concept maps and the control group with textbooks and atlases for 3 days. Posttest and cognitive load scales were applied to both groups, and an attitude scale towards the concept map was applied to the experimental group. Results: Both groups were more successful in the posttest than in the pretest. Posttest success was higher in the experimental group than in the control group. The cognitive load of the control group was significantly higher than the experimental group’s. It was observed that the attitude scale towards the concept map does not change according to gender, prior hearing about this technique, or its prior use. Conclusion: This study showed that concept maps reduce cognitive load and increase academic achievement.