The effect of participatory learning supported by the real-time communication on culturing medical students’ ability of critical thinking

Objective To explore the effect of participatory learning supported by the real-time communication (Tencent QQ learning group) on culturing medical students’ ability of critical thinking. Methods One hundred and seventeen students majoring medical imaging were divided into two groups, control group using traditional didactic method and test group using participatory learning supported by QQ learning group, to study physiology. Seven characters of critical thinking in students were evaluated by CTDI-CV questionnaire, and the teaching effect was examined by unit testing. Results The scores of comprehensive analysis, total scores and excellent rates of the unit examination were both significantly improved in the test group compared with control group (all P<0.05). Six characters of critical thinking and the total scores of CTDI-CV questionnaire survey were effectively improved in the test group compared with control group (all P<0.05). Conclusions Participatory learning supported by the real-time communication (QQ learning group) helps to improve the medical students’ ability of critical thinking and the teaching effect of physiology. Key words: Real-time communication; Tencent QQ learning group; Participatory learning; Medical students; Critical thinking