Effect of Conceptual Mapping in Small Groups on Academic Performance and Student Satisfaction in Basic Immunology

Basic immunology is one of the basic sciences in which deep understanding and link between the contents is essential. Teaching using small group is one of the student-centered approaches that have not been used to teach basic immunology. Concept map, as one of the educational methods that helps deep understanding of the content and link between concepts, was also considered. This study aimed to investigate the effect of teaching using the methods of "small group and concept maps" on the student's performance and satisfaction. The study was performed on the students who had taken the course of immunology during two consecutive semesters at the Paramedical Faculty of Alborz University of Medical Sciences. Basic immunology was taught to both groups through lecturing. In one class, group discussions were also performed on concept maps. Final exam was given, the student's satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire, and the results were analyzed. Final score of the two groups did not differ significantly. Noteworthy, GPA of the lecture group was significantly higher than that of the lecturing for the small group-taught group. Comparison of final scores between boys of the two groups suggests that small group plus lecturing is more efficient for boys than girls. Results of the questionnaire showed that lecturing for small groups increases motivation (84%), passion (92%), and intimacy between students and instructors (92%). Utilizing concept map for small groups did not improve academic performance but creates enthusiasm, motivation, and establishes better communication between students and the teachers..