Teaching Reform
Effect of case-based teaching in optimization of the optional course of maternal and child nutrition for medical undergraduates
Ye Ding, Jin Xu, Shanshan Geng, Jieshu Wu, Xiaofang Lin, Zhixu Wang
Published 2019-05-20
Cite as Chin J Med Edu Res, 2019, 18(5): 433-438. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.2095-1485.2019.05.001
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the application effect of case-based teaching versus traditional teaching in the optional course of maternal and child nutrition for medical undergraduates.
MethodsThe students who completed the course through the traditional teaching method in 2016 were enrolled as control group, and those who completed the course through the case-based teaching method in 2017 were enrolled as experimental group. In the process of teaching, the teachers in the experimental group needed to write cases, prepare lessons collectively, give guidance and inspiration, and summarize after class. During the learning process, the students in the experimental group needed to collect information before class and perform role play, group discussion, and intergroup communication about the case during class. After the course ended, a questionnaire for nutrition during pregnancy preparation, pregnancy, and lactation, breastfeeding, and complementary feeding was developed for assessment. With sex and grade as related factors, SPSS 18.0 was used for the chi-square test of two sample rates according to knowledge points, and the correct rate of each item was analyzed.
ResultsA total of 107 valid questionnaires were collected from the control group, and 109 valid questionnaires were collected from the experimental group. For the questions on the knowledge of maternal and child nutrition, the experimental group had slightly higher correct rates than the control group (all P>0.05). For the questions on the comprehension and practical application of the knowledge of maternal and child nutrition, the experimental group had significantly higher correct rates than the control group (all P<0.05). Further stratified analysis based on sex and grade showed that the experimental group had higher correct rates than the control group.
ConclusionCompared with traditional teaching, case-based teaching may not have advantages in enhancing students' memorizing ability, but it can make it easier for students to understand the theoretical knowledge of maternal and child nutrition and master the practical application of such knowledge.
Key words:
Case-based teaching; Medical student; Maternal and child nutrition
Contributor Information
Ye Ding
Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
Jin Xu
Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
Shanshan Geng
Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
Jieshu Wu
Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
Xiaofang Lin
Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
Zhixu Wang
Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
