Comparison of textbook and self-instructional learning methods

Physical therapists have voiced their concern that independent study units, self-assessment tools, and refresher courses be made available. In response, we developed a series of self-instructional units in radiology, gross anatomy, and applied anatomy. To evaluate two of the units (hip and knee), we compared the self-instructional method with a traditional method using assigned textbook readings. We found no significant differences in performance levels between physical therapists and physical therapy students using self-instruction and those using textbook methods of reviewing anatomy. It took less time for the participants to do self-instruction reviews than textbook reviews, and the six-month retention rate was higher for those using self-instruction. Results of an attitude questionnaire, however, indicated approval of the self-instructional method of review as being more acceptable and enjoyable than the textbook method.