Collaborative Concept Mapping in an Image Evaluation Course: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate student perceptions of collaborative concept mapping exercises in an image acquisition and technical evaluation course.

METHODS: First-year radiologic technology students worked collaboratively throughout the semester to create concept maps for receptor exposure, contrast, spatial resolution, and distortion. They completed a survey at the end of the course that detailed whether the maps were helpful for learning and understanding the content.

RESULTS: The majority (90%) of the student participants responded favorably to the concept mapping activity, saying the maps were helpful for learning how certain technical factors affect image quality. In addition, 85% of the participants thought concept maps should be used in future radiologic technology courses.

DISCUSSION: Although this pilot study was limited by its small sample size, students' favorable results suggest that concept mapping is a valuable instructional tool in helping students learn image evaluation principles and therefore warrants a larger-scale investigation.

CONCLUSION: Additional research is warranted to address the use of concept maps in other radiologic science content areas.