Effectiveness and Utility of Flowcharts on Learning in a Classroom Setting: A Mixed-Methods Study

Graphical representation of information organizes and promotes meaningful learning. As an example of graphical organizers, flowcharts can simplify and summarize complex information. The evidence of classroom use of flowcharts as an instructional tool is unclear. We investigated the effectiveness of flowcharts on student learning as an in-class instructional tool in a cardiovascular therapeutic course. Student experiences with the use and application of flowcharts were explored.

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted with pharmacy students enrolled in an acute-care cardiovascular course from 2019-2021. The quantitative phase comprised a survey to determine flowchart effectiveness and a comparison of student performance in three content areas. The qualitative phase of the study used focused group interviews to understand student perceptions of flowchart use.

Survey results indicated that using flowcharts improved understanding (110/128, 86%), integration of material (114/128, 89%), and overall knowledge (111/128, 87%). Student performance in the 3 content areas, shock, arrhythmia, and acute coronary syndrome were statistically significant with flowcharts implementation. Emerging themes from student interviews were (1) used as a medium for retention and recall, (2) used as a study tool, and (3) used as a decision-making framework.

Flowcharts provide an alternative approach to teaching complex content, which allows students to organize and summarize information that promotes meaningful learning. The ease of implementation combined with the generalized nature of flowcharts makes it an effective graphical organizer that can be used across various disciplines.