Comparing the Effects of Lecture and Work in Small Groups on Learning of Head and Neck Osteology in Medical Students

Introduction: Traditional teaching methods cannot keep up with the new knowledge in medical students anymore. There are several challenges between traditional and new teaching methods in different courses .This study has tried to compare the effects of two teaching approaches on education of osteology( lecture VS work in small groups). Methods: In a quasi experimental study, 54 medical students of Semnan Medical University who had selected anatomy of head and neck were randomly divided into small groups of experiment in two sequent semesters . Theoretical and practical sessions of Osteology were simultaneously held for the first four sessions in groups with 5 member. Results of mid term and final exams of these groups were compared with those of the past two semesters in which the medical students had been educated only by lecture in a theory and practice combination method as a control group. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The mean scores of midterm and final exams in combined theory and practice experimental groups were significantly higher than controls in which classes were held just by lecture with separate theoretical and practical issues . Conclusion: In small groups, the level of learning osteology, compared to traditional method, was more. This increase is possibly due to the sense of team work and a better student and teacher relationship resulting in a more motivation of studying.