The Effect of an Active Educational Method on Critical Thinking of Nursing Students in Lorestan University of Medical Sciences

One of the most important and basic goals of nursing education is the development of critical thinking. Critical thinking is known as an integral component of nursing. This study investigated the effect of an active educational method on nursing students’ critical thinking capability.

This is a quasi-experimental interventional study performed on 60 nursing students (30 in each group). First, California Critical Thinking test questionnaire were filled by the participants. The intervention group was trained using an active method based on critical thinking questions at a period of 9 clinical sessions. In the last session, California Critical Thinking test questionnaire was again refilled by the participants. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t, and paired t tests.

There were no significant differences between two groups in terms of background variables before the study. In test of critical thinking, no significant differences were observed in the control group before and after intervention. But there was statistically significant difference in the intervention group (p<0.001) and this active educational method could elevate critical thinking ability in intervention group. The normal clinical education program in control group was not successful in improving students’ critical thinking skills.

The increase in students’ total score of critical thinking, analytical skills, and deductive reasoning reflects the valuable effect of this active educational method on students.