Objective　To explore the teaching effect of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation based on self-drawing method. Methods　This study recruited 489 students from 10 classes of clinical medicine major of Shandong Medical College as research objects. They were divided into control group and experimental group. Theoretical teaching and traditional practical training were adopted to the control group while theoretical teaching and self-drawing method were adopted to the experimental group. The ECG test scores

the number of students with excellent performance and the ECG scores of the final exam were compared between the two groups. Questionnaires were issued to assess the effect of different teaching methods on students. SPSS 25.0 was used for t test and chi-square test. Results　Compared with the experimental group

the results of the ECG special test

the number of excellent students and the ECG scores of the final exam in the control group all decreased

and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The results of the questionnaire showed that the experimental group had higher mastery of ECG abnormal patterns

learning initiative

self-confidence and better satisfaction with the overall teaching of ECG (P<0.01). Conclusion　The practical training based on self-drawing method can improve ECG interpretation skills

learning initiative and self-confidence of students

which has achieved good teaching effect.