Increase the continuity of learning the lessons of histology with discussion method

Introduction: According to the results of previous studies confirm the advantages of group discussion than lecture method and the importance of deep learning, it was decided as part of PhD students studying Histology and results presented to the group discussion on learning to survive with compared to usual Methods: This study Was Carried out in Department of Anatomical Sciences on Ph.D. Students at the first semester of the academic year 90-89. Teaching in 8 sessions of the course Histology advanced was lecture and 8 the next meeting-style was discussion procedure. Assessment of learning through the end of semester exam was performed. At 3 months after the previous questions were used to examine the survival and continuity of learning materials. Data using the software SPSS. 12 analysis and comparison of mean scores using Kruskal-Wallis test was performed. Results: The results of this study showed that the mean scores between the two methods of presentation was statistically significant (P<0.01). Even, three months later, the difference between the mean scores in the discussion and lecture methods was significant (P<0.01). Difference in mean scores at the end of two semesters with lectures and discussions after three months was not statistically significant (p=0.56). Conclusion: Although the students believed that more time is needed for preparation and presentation of learning and understanding the contents but the method is much more discussion than lecture. Students due to the large volume of paperwork and time constraints, using a combination of both teaching methods were proposed.