The impact of educational intervention: a comparison of traditional teaching methods and model-based approaches

Background & Aims: Two common teaching methods, the lecture and concept map method, focus on understanding how people learn effectively. The concept of learning styles pertains to the different ways that individuals prefer to learn. This study compares the effectiveness of lecture and concept map methods on student learning outcomes, considering the influence of learning styles (visual, auditory, read/write, kinesthetic). Materials & Methods: This randomized controlled trial with 78 public health students compared the effectiveness of concept mapping and traditional lecture methods. The VARK questionnaire was used to assess participants' learning styles. The intervention group received concept mapping instruction, while the control group received traditional lecture instruction. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: The concept map method employed in the intervention group had a statistically significant effect on the learning of students with visual learning styles (p = 0.036). The mean learning style scores for the intervention group in the visual learning style increased from 45.2 to 51.3, while the mean scores for the control group increased from 44.8 to 46.1. No statistically significant differences were reported between the two groups in the other three learning styles (auditory, read/write, kinesthetic). Conclusion: Concept mapping is an effective teaching strategy with visual learning styles. Educators can use concept mapping to enhance deep learning experiences with different learning styles. The VARK model can be used to assess students' learning styles and guide instructional decisions. To create an inclusive and effective learning environment, educators should use a variety of teaching strategies and regularly assess students' learning styles.