Effect of Cognitive Maps on Students` Academic Achievement at Imbaba Technical Health Institute

Background: Cognitive mapping is one of the new teaching styles that enable learners to connect all information in their mind, enhance learning as it is evident in academic achievement. The study aimed to: Assess the effect of cognitive maps on students` academic achievement at Imbaba Technical Health Institute . Design: experimental design was utilized to conduct the study. Setting: The present study was conducted at Imbaba Technical Health Institute that affiliated to Ministry of Health. Sample: All nursing student who were enrolled in the second academic year (140 students), they were classified into 2 groups (study & control group). Tools for data collection : Three tools were used: Cognitive maps knowledge questionnaire, attitude assessment tool and students` academic achievement. Results : Majority of study group (95.70%) had adequate knowledge and (98.60%) had positive attitude toward cognitive maps at post program phase, There was more than one third of the study group students (38.6%) have excellent degree in the final exam, while there was only (12.9%) of the control group students have excellent degree in the same exam . Conclusion : There was significant improvement in nursing student's knowledge, attitude and academic achievement regarding cognitive maps. And there was a highly statistical significant correlation between nursing students` knowledge and their academic achievement after implementing the educational program. Recommendations : Provide training course for nursing instructor about cognitive maps, its benefits and how to use.