The academic environment and approach to learning effects on academic performance among Sudanese medical students

Abstract

Background: Academic environment and approach to learning play a significant role in academic achievement. In this study, we aimed to assess the educational environment and approach to learning in the clinical phase medical students. Subjects and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study conducted among 59 medical students in Omdurman Islamic University from June to August 2016. Participants signed a written informed consent then responded to a structured questionnaire to collect demographic data, the DREEM, and the two process study questionnaire. The local ethical committee approved the research, and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences was for data analysis. Results: They were 59 medical students, 40.5% were males with a mean age of 22.62±1.84 years, the students perceived the learning environment as more positive than negative (114.61±20.30 out of 200), 31.4% and 31.4% had concerns about the atmosphere and social environment respectively. The participants used an in-depth approach more than superficial (29.49±6.39 vs. 22.81±6.94), the females had a more positive perception of the academic environment than males and used the superficial approach less with significant statistical difference (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Medical students perceived the academic environment as more positive and deep approach to learning more with room for more improvement.

Perception of Environment and Educational Outcomes by Students and Faculty in Traditional Versus Integrated Curriculum

“…It has also been used to compare the curricula in transition. 4,5,11,13,[15][16][17][18][19] Very few studies have looked into the perspective of stakeholders other than the students such as the teaching faculty. In contrast to this study findings, Shahnaz and colleague reported similar perception of faculty and students on DREEM in an integrated curriculum.…”

“…1,3 Evidence suggests that a favourable learning environment results in positive learning outcome. 4,5 Maintaining quality and validity in the educational curricula, the evaluation of the educational environment at both academic and clinical sites is important for maintaining and improving the quality of educational curriculum. 6,7 It has been advocated that a positive learning environment enhances students' motivation, promotes knowledge and skills.…”

Impact of location and government funding on medical Students Perception of Learning Environment in Nigeria

“…The DREEM instrument is a validated Likert-type inventory tool which has the advantages of self-administration to respondents and usefulness in assessing a particular learning environment. (26,27) There are five major domains in the questionnaire with each specifically measuring an area relevant to the assessment of the learning environment. The domains are; students' perception of learning; SPL (12 items with a maximum score of 48), students' perception of course organisers; SPCO (11 items with a maximum score of 44), students' academic self-perception; SASP (8 items with a maximum score of 32), students' perceptions of atmosphere; SPA (12 items with a maximum score 48) and students' social self-perceptions; SSSP (7 items with a maximum score of 28).…”