Effectiveness of different types of learning materials used by students in courses of basic medical sciences

Introduction. Learning materials (LMs), are submitted to students in different types, from class notes to referring students to different references, which can have different effectiveness. Therefore, evaluation of effectiveness of commonly used types can help the university faculties in selection of more appropriate LMs for students. Methods. 1. The data regarding the types of LMs used in different courses during last 8 years and reasons for their selections were obtained from faculties using a designed questionnaire. 2. The grades of students in final basic medical sciences (BMs) exams during last 6 years were used as gold standard and corresponding LMs were match with it to estimate effectiveness of LMs. 3. Opinions of medical students involved in physiopathology and clinical courses about the types of proper LMs for study of students in BMs were also obtained by designed questionnaire. Results. Nine types of LMs, had been submitted to students during last 8 years. Although based on the results of this study the differences in effectiveness of 9 types of LMs were not statistically significant but were suggestive of an association between the types of LMs, final exam grades and students opinions . Conclusion. Quantitative and qualitative Approach to the results revealed that a concise English book combined with class notes or a relativity concise Farsi book edited by Iranian author(s) combined with class notes have the highest and voluminous English book or referring students to several textbooks have the lowest effectiveness in education of BMs courses. In total, results suggest logical reduction in volume, specially in factual subjects and more focusing on applied aspects in learning materials.