title: [Application of peer-assisted learning in evidence-based dentistry teaching].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the effects of peer-assisted learning (PAL) for evidence-based dentistry (EBD) teaching.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four hundred and eleven students who attended EBD class were randomly classified into PAL group (n=75) and traditional teaching group (n=326) via a ratio of 1:5. Students in traditional teaching group received traditional theoretical teaching; while PAL group received traditional theoretical teaching and group study with tutors introduced and finished study protocols given by the teachers. Teaching effects were evaluated by final examinations, questionnaires and published articles via bibliographic searching. Statistical analysis was carried out with STATA 11.0 software package.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the final examination, students in PAL group had 6.9 higher scores than traditional teaching group (P<0.05). The results of questionnaires showed that students in PAL group had higher interests and contentments in EBD class (P<0.05), and PAL had positive effects on their usage of EBD methodology and involvement in EBD research (P<0.05). In publication of articles, the number and ratios of article publication in PAL group were significantly higher than the traditional group (P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PAL has positive effects on EBD teaching.
authors.affiliation: Department of Evidence-Based Stomatology, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University. Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China. E-mail:lichunjie07@qq.com.
authors.forename: Chun-jie
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Cheng-ge
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Hua
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Sha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Zong-dao
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Shi
mesh_terms: D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D010379:Peer Group; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires