Lecturing or Problem-based Learning: Comparing Effects of the Two Teaching Methods in Academic Achievement and Knowledge Retention in Pediatrics Course for Nursing Students

Introduction: Using the appropriate teaching methods, nursing educators are trying to improve students` both effective learning and knowledge retention. The survey reveals the impact of lecturing and problem-based learning in academic achievement and knowledge retention in the pediatrics course. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to compare the effects of the two teaching methods. 56 nursing students who had taken the pediatric course were selected through census in two semesters in school of nursing and midwifery of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Pediatrics was taught in lecturing and problem based learning methods. Then, the academic achievement and knowledge retention were evaluated by tests. Data analysis was carried out in descriptive statistical and paired T test. Results: Findings revealed that the average of the scores in pre and post tests as well as knowledge retention tests were increased in both teaching methods. The mean difference of scores in the two methods was not a significant difference between the pre test and post test. But, in the post test - Knowledge retention test, the lecturing method scored significantly higher than the other one. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the lecturing method keeps its standing point and value in educational system. ProblemBased Learning method can be of great help along with the lecturing to improve students' achievement and knowledge retention.. Also, PBL is feasible enough in teaching pediatric nursing to ensure the achievement of educational objectives.