Abstract： Objective To explore a new teaching method that was used in pediatric surgery to evaluate teaching effect Methods 119 nursing students were divided into two groups at random. The new teaching method was used in experimental group (60 students) , the traditionary method was applied to teach nursing students in control group (59 students) . The performance record and the ratio of learning satisfaction were compared when they left pediatric surgery. Results The score of technical proficiency of experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group (P <0.01) ;There were significant difference between experimental group and control group at the ratios of satisfaction with teachers and practice contents and practice types and practice results and self - evaluation of students ( P < 0. 01) . Conclusions The application of subjective initiative in teaching nursing students can significantly enhance teaching effect in pediatric surgery.