Shanique K James, PharmD
PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident
Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States
“Mind mapping is a method by which you can make notes,
take notes and help your memory because you are working in a way that helps your
brain instead of getting in the way.” – Hazel
Wagner, Ph.D., MBA, CMC
Hazel Wagner
specializes in a concept called mind mapping, teaching others how to use this
tool to augment and enhance their memory, studies and planning. As a lifelong
learner with 4 degrees and a Ph.D. in mathematics, she has spent her life
learning how to learn. Dr. Wagner shared her work on mind mapping and what it
can do for understanding, memorization, and retention during a TEDx Talk in
Naperville, IL.
What is Mind-Mapping?
Mind mapping is a method that helps your brain to organize
ideas, collect knowledge and understand concepts better.1 The tool
called the mind map was initially developed for use in mathematics but has been
applied to numerous subject areas. A mind map
has a natural organizational structure that radiates from the center and use
lines, symbols, words, color and images according to simple, brain-friendly
concepts.2 It is said to be a
freer, non-sequential way to organize material, making the process more coherent.
Mind-mapping allows the individual to use visual and kinesthetic methods
to document only what is most important to them. The use of trigger words or
key phrases enable the individual to pay attention and personalize their ideas
while actively thinking and not blindly transcribing. Mind mapping allows you
to pay attention to what you want and write what you want.1,2
Mind mapping has also been recognized as an
assistive tool for students who may not be process oriented, but visually
oriented. It has also been shown to have benefit in students with learning
disabilities such as Asperger or dyslexia.3
Potential Impact of
Mind Mapping
A pilot study for students in a Nursing Program was
conducted by David A. Boley, Professor at John Hopkins University.3
Students were divided into two groups, one group using mind mapping and mind
mapping templates for various subject areas, the other group continuing with
their usual learning methods. The study concluded that pre-made mind maps
enhanced simulation learning significantly, positively impacted the learning
experience and produced a 12% increase in test scores. When the group that did
not use mind-mapping was later introduced to the mind mapping method, their
achievements increased equally validating the results.
Mind-mapping in
Pharmacy Education
As the role of the pharmacist continues to evolve, student
pharmacists are required to attain knowledge in a vast number of areas to align
with expectations for practice. Students may in turn have difficulty retaining
and recalling information. A pharmacy student can simply concepts taught in
Pharmacotherapy by using a mind map; a single sheet of paper, a single diagram
with branches and links to represent a single ‘unit’ or topic. This alleviates the need to document pages of
notes. Mind mapping allows for quick reference and recollection of information
and aids in efficiency and quality of work.
The pharmacy educator may also gain much benefit from
utilizing a mind map during curriculum planning and teaching. In curriculum
planning, the branches can be used to represent specific objectives. In
teaching, the full diagram can provide a full representation of the topic for
the students to visualize as an aid to promote flexibility and consistency in
delivery.
I have my own experience of using mind-maps, not knowing at
the time. I recall using these diagrams to breakdown topics in Infectious
Diseases and Cardiology and this helped significantly with my retention of the
topics. A mind map allows students to be creative, efficient and resourceful
with their learning experience.
References:
- Wagner, H. Want to Learn better? Start Mind-mapping. TEDx Talks. November 2017
- Woods, D. The Power of Mind Mapping. Forbes. June 2009
- Mind Mapping in Education. MindMapping.com. 2018
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