Journal archive

Abstract: The article addresses the possibilities and limitations of the application of mind maps as a tool for assessment of the quality of students’ knowledge within the framework of the structural information approach. The mind map is considered, on the one hand, as a logical semantic verbal and graphic model of the educational material, displaying its contents and structure, and on the other hand, as a model of individual knowledge of students. To calculate the structural and information characteristics of the mind maps, tree graph structural formulas are suggested. An algorithm for calculation of the structural and information characteristics of a reference mind map and of the individual mind maps, and the relative indicator of the order of student knowledge is provided. The possibility of interpretation of the structural and informational characteristics of the mind maps and their use for analysis and perfection of student’s knowledge is looked into. The possibility of assessment of the completeness and structure of the knowledge system formed in the course of study is discussed. The use of information and structural formulas of the mind map for assessment of changes in the structure of students’ knowledge in the process of its formation is suggested. The results of testing of the mind map structural information model as a tool for assessment of the quality of students’ knowledge are presented. Mind maps are used in the educational process for the formation and final assessment of students’ knowledge on the academic subjects for secondary school "Computer Science and Information and Communication Technologies". The validity of the correlative mind maps as a means of evaluating the quality of knowledge is tested through correlation analysis of the results of knowledge test by using mind maps and other means of assessment. Statistically significant correlation between the structural and information characteristics of the mind maps, and the results of the final assessment of the students on the studied subject and the results of practical work are provided.