Department of Medical Education, School of Medical Education, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Critical thinking, playing an important part in improving clinical performance and professional responsibility, has gained special significance. As this skill could be taught and learnt, the aim of this study was to determine the level of critical thinking in dental students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 163 dental students studying in the clinical phase. The data were collected, using the standardized California critical thinking skills test, Form B (CCTST) questionnaire. Results: The mean of the overall score of critical thinking for the participants was 14.53±3.28 out of 34. The majority of the students were in the medium level regarding both the overall tests’ score and the five critical thinking sub-skills. There was not a significant difference, considering sex and the educational level. Conclusion: Although the results are indicative of an average normal level of critical thinking among dental clinical students, yet this level doesn’t seem fully satisfactory. Regarding the importance of this skill in professional and clinical performance and reasoning, educational administrators should focus on reforming educational programs, and improving educational environments especially in clinical fields in order to reinforce these skills.
Rezaee, R., Mazareie, E., Momeni Danaei, S., & Mirzaei, S. (2014). Critical Thinking Skills in Shiraz Dental Students. Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences, 5(2), 35-43.
MLA
Rita Rezaee; Elham Mazareie; Shahla Momeni Danaei; Somayeh Mirzaei. "Critical Thinking Skills in Shiraz Dental Students", Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences, 5, 2, 2014, 35-43.
HARVARD
Rezaee, R., Mazareie, E., Momeni Danaei, S., Mirzaei, S. (2014). 'Critical Thinking Skills in Shiraz Dental Students', Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences, 5(2), pp. 35-43.
VANCOUVER
Rezaee, R., Mazareie, E., Momeni Danaei, S., Mirzaei, S. Critical Thinking Skills in Shiraz Dental Students. Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences, 2014; 5(2): 35-43.
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