Abstract
Background: Learning methods are important in education, especially in some difficult lessons such as specialized or technical language. Instructors can use suitable and practical methods in these situations. The objective of this study was to compare the results of various educational methods for learning specialized language in occupational health students. Methods: This study was a semi-experimental study conducted in the Health School of Mashhad among occupational health students using the approved curriculum; a course of specialized language was taught with attention to educational methods. Three educational methods were used: small group learning in group A (n = 24), lecture in group B (n = 26) and reading with use of audio-visual devices in group C (n = 25). Change in learning was determined and results were compared among the three groups of participants, with results of exams analyzed using SPSS 16. analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used since the data was normalized, and significance was calculated at P < 0.05. Results: The mean grade in specialized language in group A was 16.66 (2.19), 10.93 (2.41) in group B and 14.74 (3.25) in group C. All of the methods had significant differences among each other, with P < 0.05. Participatory discussion had the highest mean (group A). The relative risk for group A was 1.56 (1.12-2.51). Conclusion: According to the total results, small group learning is the best educational method for learning specialized language for occupational health students.
Highlights
Learning methods are important in education, especially in some difficult lessons such as specialized or technical language
One educational method often recommended is small group discussion learning or small group learning for students
Occupational health students must read about physical hazards, chemical hazards, toxicology, safety, ergonomics, occupational diseases, stress, and biological hazards in specialized language
Summary
Learning methods are important in education, especially in some difficult lessons such as specialized or technical language. Since many methods of learning have been introduced in education, choosing a suitable and effective method is necessary.[8,9] A typical method was small group discussion, including student participation in order to help students learn.[10,11,12] Other educational methods are used, such as lectures by professors and teachers, self-directed reading and use of audio-visual devices.[13,14] Some lessons can be taught using all these methods,[15,16,17] since many are applicable.[18,19,20] Specialized language is one course that could be taught using different educational methods. Conclusion: According to the total results, small group learning is the best educational method for learning specialized language for occupational health students
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