Concept Mapping as an Instructional Method to Support Critical Thinking in Occupational Therapy Students: A Pilot Study

Abstract

In occupational therapy practice, critical thinking is a foundational skill for the delivery of effective care; however, there is limited evidence on the development of critical thinking skills in occupational therapy education. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects and student perceptions of concept mapping on critical thinking skills in occupational therapy education. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a retrospective pre-post assessment after two teaching conditions: (a) traditional lecture and (b) concept mapping. The same convenience sample of students was used for each condition. Additional outcome measures included assessment of student concept maps using a scoring rubric and a survey of students’ perceptions on the use of concept mapping. Results of the retrospective pre-post assessment indicated significant gains in student knowledge (p

Keywords

• critical thinking
• concept mapping
• instructional methods
• educational technology
• constructivist learning theory