Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the effect of heuristic teaching to the medical students in interest, initiative spirit, and comprehensive ability. Methods110 students majoring in rehabilitation medicine were divided into two groups, heuristic teaching group and rote teaching group. The teaching contents included ROM(range of movement), ADL(activity of daily living) and the techniques of movement and transfer. Eight items were assessed. ResultsThere are no difference between the two groups in application of basic knowledge and ability of comprehension (P>0.05), obvious difference in the interest in study, the initiative spirit, and the ability of self study and analyzing (P<0.05).Conclusions In medical rehabilitation teaching, heuristic teaching is more advantageous than rote teaching in the interest in study, the initiative spirit, and the ability of self study and analyzing.

Key words: teaching, heuristic teaching, rote teaching, rehabilitation medicine