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

Introduction: 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. methods: 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. Results: 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). Conclusion: teaching the theoretical sections beside criticizing of papers improves the knowledge, attitude and skill grades.