The teaching practice and reflection of a public course of nutrition and health by adding views from top research papers

Abstract

Objective To explore the impact of introducing cutting-edge scientific and technological literature into the general course of nutrition and health on the teaching effect. Methods Undergrad-uates were divided into experimental group and control group, with 50 students per group. The views from top research papers, as a part of teaching substance, were introduced to experimental group but not control group. The results of studying were evaluated by quiz and team presentation, and the effects of teaching were evaluated by questionnaire. The data were analyzed by the statistic method of independent sample double t-test. Results Statistical difference was found in average score between experiment group and control group [(54.40±5.47) vs. (47.96±4.29) in quiz, and (38.54±0.85) vs. (36.14±1.21) in team presentation, P=0.000]. Meanwhile, the score of questionnaire survey for interest, active thinking, studying effect, satisfaction and peer recommendation in experimental group were significantly higher than control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The introduction of cutting-edge research papers in class helps students to be more thoughtful and creative, thus it is an effective way to improve the integrative quality of the under-graduates. In the selection of literature content, we should adopt topics that are close to life, so as to arouse students' interest in active learning. Key words: Nutrition and health; Public course; Top research papers; Culture of creative thinking