Evaluation of the effect of an small sized class - inquiry-based English oriented teaching model in Medical Specialty Courses

Objective To provide evidence for a more effective and feasible English-oriented teaching model for college students. Methods Using the Basic Theory and Case Study of Epidemiology at Sichuan University as an example, we compared the baseline and post-course data of the two classes to explore whether small-class inquiry-based teaching is more advantageous than large-class teaching in improving students’ professionalism in English based knowledge learning. Results The results showed that small class teaching in English achieved the objectives of the reform, and compared with large class teaching in English, small class teaching in English enabled students to master the basic concepts and theories of epidemiology more proficiently in English. Students’ ability in the small class to do oral presentation and writing in English were obviously improved more compared with those in the large class. Small-sized class is more likely to mobilize students’ active thinking ability, and to improve their team discussion, writing , reading and listening skills. Conclusion Small class teaching in English is more advantageous than large class teaching in improving students' professionalism in English, and is conducive to improving students' international competitiveness in employment and further study.