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.