Comparison between “Problem-Based Learning” and “Question & Answer” Educational Methods on Environmental Health Students’ Attitude to Critical Thinking

• Main Authors: Salehi L, Keykavousi Arani L, Safarnavadeh M
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences (BMSU). 2015-04-01
• Series: Education Strategies in Medical Sciences
• Subjects: Critical Thinking; Problem-Based Learning; Learning; Students; Health Occupations
• Online Access: http://www.edcbmj.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-253-2&slc_lang=en&sid=1

&nbsp;Aims: Critical thinking has the 2 aspects skill and attitude. The skill aspect will not take place without the attitude to critical thinking. The aim of this study was to compare between problem-based and question-answer learning methods on critical thinking attitude of environmental health students.&nbsp; Instrument & Methods: In this quasi-experimental study all 27 environmental health students of Alborz University of Medical Sciences were entered the study by census method. Critical thinking attitudes&rsquo; parameters were studied by the California critical thinking disposition inventory (CCTDI) before and after the intervention. The problem-based learning group (14 persons) held some scenarios for studying and investigating and question-answer group (13 persons) held 4 questioning sessions. Data were collected and analyzed by SPSS 17 using independent- and paired-T tests.&nbsp; Findings: There were no significant differences between the average of CCTDI scores for problem-based learning group before (278.00&plusmn;28.14) and after (309.29&plusmn;13.80) the intervention and also between the average of CCTDI scores for question-answer group before (276.00&plusmn;7.12) and after (306.62&plusmn;16.32) the intervention (p>0.05). Both methods caused a significant increase in analytic power, information categorization and self-confidence of students (p<0.05).&nbsp; Conclusion: Using both question-answer and problem-based educational methods can improve the attitude to critical thinking in students.