Favorable outcomes of using critical appraisal technique beside lecturing method for teaching theoretical sections

We aimed to assess the outcomes of critical appraisal method beside lecturing versus lecturing method regarding theoretical sections among the student of msc of nutritional science. This semi-experimental study was undertaken on 8 students of nutritional science in two semesters during 2009-2010. Some sections were taught via using critique of original articles, but others were taught using exclusive lecturing method. We assessed student’s Knowledge by using a written examination, attitude via a 5 item-questionnaire and Skill via writing a review paper. SPSS software was used to analysis of data and student t test was used to compare the scores in two sections. The mean of knowledge, attitude and skill grades in post-test were significantly higher in the critical appraisal sections (18.1±4.2 vs 15.9± 3.5; P=0.03, 4.0±3.5 vs 1.0±0.2; P=0.02 and 18.5±2.5 vs 15.0±3.5; P=0.04, respectively). teaching the theoretical sections beside criticizing of papers improves the knowledge, attitude and skill grades.