THE EFFECT OF MIND MAPS ON THE STUDENTS LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION IN CELLULAR BIOLOGY TOPIC OF GRADE XI IPA AT SMA N 1 SIDIKALANG ACADEMIC YEAR 2014/2015

The objective of this study is to explore the effect of mind maps on learning achievement and retention. This study consists of two stages. First, it aims to use mind map as strategy and then the second stage is implementation. It aims to see the effect of mind map on learning achievement and retention of students. The population is all of students grade XI Science SMA N 1 Sidikalang that consists of 8 classes. The sample consists of 2 classes which is taken purposively, XI Science 1 as control group (note-taking group) and XI Science 2 as experimental group (mind map group). There are 25 students in each class. The instruments used to collect data is multiple choice tests (28 items). The gain score of learning achievement (cognitive) with tcalculate (5.09) > ttable (1.676); with α = 0.05 and df =48. The gain score of learning achievement (affective) with the score of mind map group (3.1) is higher than note taking group (2.9). It means Ho1 is rejected and Ha1 is accepted. Then, the result of gain score of retention test (tcalculate 2.75 > ttable 1.676 );with α = 0.05 and df = 48. It means that Ho2 is rejected and Ha2 is accepted. Results indicates mind map has a significant effect on learning achievement and retention. In this research, it is clear that mind map provides learning environment according to their own understanding and needs. It is also clear that mind map creates students interest in retaining information