The effectiveness of mind mapping as an active learning strategy among associate degree nursing students

There is a significant need for faculty to move away from the traditional teacher-centered educational approach and increase implementation of an active, student-centered, learning environment. Creating learning experiences that facilitate reflection, knowledge building, problem solving, inquiry, and critical thinking is vital. Using mind maps as an active learning strategy is an innovative technique to facilitate student learning. Students can illustrate a vision, exhibit their contextual knowledge and creativity, and make associations about a central theme during this activity. Mind mapping can be used for note taking, completing homework assignments, preparing for exams, analyzing, and reflecting about nursing practice. Mind maps can be executed in nursing curricula as an alternative learning experience.