Does group cohesion foster self-directed learning for medical students? A longitudinal study

Abstract

Background:The importance of self-directed learning (SDL) and collaborative learning has been emphasized in medical education. This study examined if there were changes in the pattern of SDL and group cohesion from the time of admission to medical school under the criterion-referenced grading system, increased group activities, and interaction of medical education curriculum. Second, it was examined whether group cohesion influences selfdirected learning. Methods: The participants were 106 medical students (71 males, 35 females) who enrolled in Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea in March 2014. They were asked to complete a Korean version of the self-directed learning readiness scale (SDLRS) and group cohesion scale (GCS) at the end of each semester for three years. A repeated measures ANOVA and a correlation and regression analysis were conducted. Results: All the participants completed the questionnaires. There were differences in the SDLRS scores over the three years. A significant increase was observed one year after admission followed by stable scores until the third year. There was a significant increase in GCS scores as students progressed through medical school years. Positive relationships were found between SDLRS and GCS scores, and the regression model predicted 32% variance. Conclusions: SDLRS and GCS increased as medical school years progressed. In addition, GCS is a significant factor in fostering SDLRS. Medical schools should develop various curriculum activities that enhance group cohesion among medical students, which would in turn promote SDL.

The effect of metacognition and self‐directed learning readiness on learning performance of nursing students in online practice classes during the COVID‐19 pandemic period

“…In the tool, a higher total sum score indicates a higher degree of self-directed learning readiness. The reliability of this tool has been previously demonstrated by a Cronbach's alpha coefficient ranging from 0.84 to 0.94, and this study showed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.91 (Cho & Kim, 2021;Kim & Yang, 2020).…”

Medical students’ self-directed learning skills during online learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic in a Korean medical school

“…In their study, the medical students’ self-directed learning readiness decreased as students progressed through the medical school. However, the studies of Kim and Yang [ 11 ] and Kidane et al [ 9 ] showed that the self-directed learning readiness scores increased following the introduction of the criterion-referenced grading system with increased group activities [ 11 ] or a hybrid program combining traditional teaching method and PBL [ 12 ]. Although these studies used a different tool to measure self-directed learning in different contexts (face-to-face contexts) from this study, these results seem to indicate the importance of increased learning activities that promote self-directed learning skills.…”

“…Some previous studies reported significant drops or no differences in the self-directed learning readiness across academic years at medical school [ 12 - 14 ]. Meanwhile, some other studies reported that self-directed learning readiness increased after implementing student-centered learning activities such as problem-based learning (PBL), flipped learning, or additional group activities [ 9 - 11 ].…”

Gender Differences in Academic Grades versus Absenteeism for Medical Sciences Students

“…The Academic Programs at King Khalid University were applied for academic accreditation that requires a continuous improvement in the academic teaching. This changed the way courses are taught by focusing on the quality of teaching and measuring them using key performance indicators and learning outcomes assessment such as their cognitive competencies, numerical skills and teamwork [22][23][24]. In line with these academic developments, it is worth to address the role of gender in the context of absenteeism and academic achievements in the medical sciences eld.…”