Study on the influence of integrated basic medical system combined with two teaching methods on the critical thinking ability of clinical medical students

Abstract

Objective To discuss the effect of system-based integrated curriculum combined with problem-based learning, case-based learning (hereinafter referred to as system-based integrated teaching) in basic medical sciences in the cultivation of clinical medical students' critical thinking ability. Methods A total of 184 students from the 5-year clinical medicine scheme in Dalian Medical University were subjects, which include experiment group (n=89, system integrated teaching mode)and control group(n=95, traditional discipline-centered teaching mode). Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory-Chinese Version (CTDI-CV) was used to evaluate the critical thinking ability of students. Results The total score of the experiment group was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.01). Open-mindedness, analyticity, inquisitiveness and cognitive maturity of the seven dispositions of experiment group were significantly higher than that of control group [(42.03±5.60)vs(39.98±5.47), (41.69±6.27)vs(39.43±5.89), (42.16±6.93)vs(39.61±8.13), (43.74±7.74)vs(40.32±5.63), all P<0.05]. There were statistical differences in 17 of 70 items of critical thinking ability of two groups (P<0.05). Conclusions System-based integrated course facilitates clinical medical students to improve their critical thinking abilities. Key words: Basic medicine; System integrated course; Medical students; Critical thinking ability; Teaching methods