scholarly journals Faculty perceptions of factors that indicate successful educational outcomes of medical students’ research projects: a focus group study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Riitta Möller ◽  
Annika Wallberg ◽  
Maria Shoshan

Abstract Background A growing number of medical schools have individual scholarly projects as a component of their curricula. The fact that all students, and not only those with research interests, have to carry out a project puts high demands on the projects and their supervision. Evidence is lacking for how to produce scholarly projects with satisfactory outcomes. This study aimed to explore the observations of faculty teachers regarding factors that predict the educational outcomes of medical students’ scholarly projects. Methods Two focus group interviews were held with seven of the 16 faculty coordinators who were external reviewers of students’ research projects. The audio-recorded interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. We employed a constant comparative approach to create categories firmly grounded in the participants’ experiences. A successful project was defined as coordinators’ perception that the stated learning outcomes were achieved, in terms of students’ ability to demonstrate a scientific attitude. Results Five categories emerged from the data: Supervision, Project setup, Student characteristics, Curriculum structure, and Institutional guidance. The supervisors’ experience and availability to students were mentioned as key factors for successful outcomes. Further, a clear aim and adaptation to the time frame were stated to be project-related factors that were also supervisors’ responsibilities. Important student-related factors were skills related to scientific writing, taking ownership of and managing the projects, and making use of feedback. Finally, the course requirements, support, and control accomplished by faculty coordinators played important roles. Conclusions Contributing factors to achievement of the learning outcomes were supervisors’ commitment and experience, and the projects being suitable for the time frame and having a clearly stated research question. Furthermore, the students’ prowess at scientific writing, adequate handling of feedback, and ability to assume ownership of the project contributed to the final outcome, as did adherence to curricular instructions.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meysam Siyah Mansoory ◽  
Mohammad Rasool Khazaei ◽  
Seyyed Mohsen Azizi ◽  
Elham Niromand

Abstract Background New approaches to e-learning and the use of virtual reality technology and serious game in medical education are on the rise. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of lecture method and virtual reality-based serious gaming (VRBSG) method on students learning outcomes about the approach to coma. Methods We adopted a randomized trial method for this study and selected 50 medical students dividing them into experimental and control groups. Students’ learning outcome was measured with a 10-item test. Serious game usability scale was used to evaluate the usability of the serious game. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis by SPSS-22 software. Results Students’ familiarity with e-learning and VRBSG was low. The mean usability of a VRBSG was 126.78 ± 10.34 out of 150. The majority of students were eager to be instructed through VRBSG. The mean score of learning outcomes in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (t = − 2.457, P = 0.019). Conclusion Students’ learning outcomes in the VRBSG group in the test approach to coma were significantly better than the lecture group. The usability of the serious game instruction method was high. Taken together, instruction through VRBSG had an effective role in medical students’ learning.


2015 ◽  
Vol 90 (7) ◽  
pp. 988-994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Hynes ◽  
Slavi Stoyanov ◽  
Hendrik Drachsler ◽  
Bridget Maher ◽  
Carola Orrego ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea Stunden ◽  
Sima Zakani ◽  
Avery Martin ◽  
Shreya Moodley ◽  
John Jacob

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had significant effects on anatomy education. During the pandemic, students have had no access to cadavers, which has been the principal way of learning anatomy. We created and tested a customized congenital heart disease e-learning course for medical students that contained interactive 3D models of anonymized pediatric congenital heart defects. OBJECTIVE To assess if a multimodal e-learning course contributed to learning outcomes in a cohort of first year undergraduate medical students study congenital heart diseases. Secondarily, we assess student attitudes and experiences associated with multimodal e-learning. METHODS The pre/post study design involved 290 first year undergraduate medical students. Recruitment was conducted through the course instructors. Data were collected before using the course and after using the course. The primary outcome was knowledge acquisition (test scores). The secondary outcome included attitudes and experiences, as well as time to complete the modules, and browser metadata. RESULTS A total of 141 students were included in the final analysis (N=141). Students’ knowledge significantly improved by an average of 44.6% when using the course (SD 1.73, Z = -10.287, p < 0.001). 88.26% of students were highly motivated to learn with the course and 93.5% of students reported positive experiences with the course. There was a strong correlation between attitudes and experiences, which was statistically significant (rs = 0.687, p<0.001, N = 122). There were no relationships found between change test scores and attitudes or experiences (p>0.05). Students most frequently completed the e-learning course with Chrome (77.3%), and on Apple MacOS (61.0%) or Windows 10 (36.9%). Most students had devices with high-definition screens (83.0%). Most students (58.9%) completed the course in under 3 hours. CONCLUSIONS Multi-modal e-learning could be a viable solution to improving learning outcomes and experiences for undergraduate medical students, who do not have access to cadavers. Future research should focus on validating long-term learning outcomes. CLINICALTRIAL n/a


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Jackson ◽  
Lauren McTier ◽  
Laura A Brooks ◽  
Rochelle Wynne

Abstract Background: Although simulation-based education (SBE) has become increasingly popular as a mode of teaching in undergraduate nursing courses its effect on associated student learning outcomes remains ambiguous. Educational outcomes are influenced by SBE quality that is governed by technology, training, resources and SBE design elements. This paper reports the protocol for a systematic review to identify, appraise and synthesise the best available evidence regarding the impact of SBE on undergraduate nurses’ learning outcomes. Methods: Databases to be searched from 1st of January 1990 include the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), American Psychological Association (APA) PsycInfo and the Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC) via the EBSCO host platform. The Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE) will be searched via the OVID platform. We will review the reference lists of relevant articles for additional citations. A combination of search terms including ‘nursing students’, ‘simulation training, ‘patient simulation’, and ‘immersive simulation’ with common Boolean operators will be used. Specific search terms will be combined with either MeSH or Emtree terms and appropriate permutations for each database. Search findings will be imported into reference management software (Endnote© Version.X9) then uploaded into Covidence where two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts and retrieved full text. A third reviewer will be available to resolve conflicts and moderate consensus discussions. Quantitative primary research studies evaluating the effect of SBE on undergraduate nursing students’ educational outcomes will be included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) will be used for quality assessment of core criteria, in addition to the Cochrane RoB 2 and ROBINS-I to assess risk of bias for randomised and non-randomised studies, respectively. Primary outcomes are any measure of knowledge, skills, or attitude. Discussion: SBE has been widely adopted by healthcare disciplines in tertiary teaching settings. This systematic review will reveal (i) the effect of SBE on learning outcomes, (ii) SBE element variability, and (iii) interplay between SBE elements and learning outcome. Findings will specify SBE design elements to inform the design and implementation of future strategies for simulation-based undergraduate nursing education.Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021244530


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-58
Author(s):  
Gul Muhammad Shaikh ◽  
Rabia Khan ◽  
Rehan Khan ◽  
Rahila Yasmeen

Background: Academic failure adds extra pressure to emotional intelligence of students and this may lead to psychological disturbance. The objective of this study was to explore perception of students and teachers regarding academic failure of undergraduate medical students in Lahore, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This qualitative exploratory study was conducted at Department of Medical Education, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lahore, Pakistan from January 2018 to October 2018. Sample included nine MBBS students who took their last examination in year 2017 and five teachers, all from University College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lahore. Sampling was purposive. These nine students included five who graduated without failure and four who experienced two/more failures. Medical students were interviewed via two focus groups, whereas face to face semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were done for teachers. Interview questionnaires were designed on basis of attribution theory. The fundamental question of study was “What are the reasons behind undergraduate medical students’ failure in annual examination?” with five more questions. The interviews were transcribed in English and sent back to participants for member checking. The interviews were organized in ATLAS.ti software for thematic analysis based on Weiner’s Attribution Theory. Open coding was done after familiarization of data, leading to formation of categories, sub-themes and themes related to our conceptual framework. Results: 160 open codes were condensed to 35 axial codes leading to two themes. Main reasons for students’ failure in examinations perceived by both students and teachers were lack of ability, lack of effort and lack of motivation. Additionally, the students attributed bad luck to academic failure. Other factors included were teachers’ related factors, curriculum related factors and negative students’ attitude. Conclusion: Medical institutions must take into account reasons for academic failure among medical students and address those issues to improve their performance.


Biosfer ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ericka Darmawan ◽  
Muhammad Radian Nur Alamsyah ◽  
Karunia Galih Permadani ◽  
Sekar Jati Pamungkas ◽  
Setiyo Prajoko ◽  
...  

This research aims to improve the motivation and student scientific writing skill (SCWS) by applying the integration of Simas eric and Blended learning models. This study is a classroom action research method conducted in one of the classes in the biology education program for the National student scientific week (PIMNAS) project of biology education Program, Universitas Tidar. The results of the study were analyzed descriptively. The results showed an increase in students’ motivation and learning outcomes. Students’ learning motivation on average increased by 10.59% and SCWS on average increased by 33.28%. The results of this study can be an alternative reference for lecturers or educators as an effort to improve student learning motivation so that the learning outcomes obtained can increase. Therefore, the integration of Simas eric with google classroom can enhance students’ motivation and SCWS Subjects at the biology students.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Slimings ◽  
Emily Sisson ◽  
Connor Larson ◽  
Devin Bowles ◽  
Rafat Hussain

Background: The future health workforce needs to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to deliver sustainable healthcare and promote planetary health. The aim of this study was to design, implement and evaluate a new suite of planetary health learning activities piloted by medical students for a range of medical professionals. Methods: The study consisted of three components: curriculum mapping, development of learning activities and evaluation. Curriculum mapping involved searching program learning outcomes using relevant search terms. Two learning activities were co-developed with medical students comprising of an e-learning component and an inquiry-based small group workshop presented to 99 2nd year students. Evaluation consisted of pre- and post-learning knowledge quizzes and a student feedback survey. Results: A total of 30 learning outcomes were identified with the majority located in the first two years of the four-year program. The overall evaluation response rate was 49.5%, and 19% completed the feedback survey. The mean pre- and post-lesson scores, respectively, were 7.09 (SD=1.84) and 9.53 (SD=1.69) out of a possible score of 12, increasing by 2.37 points on average (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66-3.09). Overall, the new activities were rated as excellent/good by 84.2% of respondents. The e-learning module rated more highly as a meaningful learning experience than the workshop (89% v. 63.2%). The most common criticism was the length of time it took to complete the e-learning. Conclusion: Students already had a good understanding of planetary health facts and the e-learning lesson served to confirm, review and update their knowledge. Students embraced the opportunity to engage in interactive learning through the problem-solving group work activity. There is very little vertical alignment of environmental and climate issues across all four years of the medical program in our institution and a variety of learning approaches should be considered when revising the curriculum.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien-Da Huang ◽  
Hsu-Min Tseng ◽  
Chang-Chyi Jenq ◽  
Liang-Shiou Ou

Abstract Background: Active learning is defined as any instructional method that engages students in the learning process. Cultural differences in learning patterns can play an important role in engagement with active learning. We aimed to examine process models of active learning to understand what works, for whom and why. Methods: Forty-eight sixth- and seventh-year medical students with experience of active learning methods were purposively selected to participate in ten group interviews. Interactions around active learning were analysed using a realist evaluation framework to unpack the ‘context-mechanism-outcome’ (CMO) configurations. Results: Three core CMO configurations, including cultural, training and individual domains, were identified. In the cultural context of a strong hierarchical culture, the mechanisms of fear prompted students to be silent (outcome) and dare not give their opinions. In the training context of teacher-student familiarity alongside teachers’ guidance, the mechanisms of learning motivation, self-regulation and enthusiasm were triggered, prompting positive learning outcomes and competencies (outcome). In the individual context of learning how to learn actively at an early stage within the medical learning environment, the mechanisms of internalisation, professional identity and stress resulted in recognising active learning and advanced preparation (outcomes). Conclusions: We identified three CMO configurations of Taiwanese medical students’ active learning. The connections among hierarchical culture, fear, teachers’ guidance, motivation, the medical environment and professional identity have been shown to affect the complex interactions of learning outcomes. Fear derived from a hierarchical culture is a concern as it is a significant and specific contextual factor, often sparking fear with negative outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohit Gummi ◽  
Ross Smith ◽  
Raghav Govindarajan

Abstract Background: SIGN chapters across the country provide opportunities for medical students to participate in clinical, research, and service activities in neurology. Despite these, enrollment in SIGN chapters has been traditionally low.Methods: Following changes were introduced: an open board style SIGN chapter executive committee with greater active engagement of first and second year students, new types SIGN chapter activities including journal club articles, hands on workshop (example EMG), celebration/cause events (example ALS walk). In addition, a free neurology clinic was introduced. Activities were planned in consultation with office of medical education, and were organized during ‘down times’. Data on student enrollment, activities successfully carried out, students interested in neurology residency, number of neurology-related research projects with student involvement were collected prior to changes and compared to values after changes were introduced.Results: Post intervention, student engagement in neurology activities and projects increased significantly. There were also significantly more students engaged in neurology related research projects and significantly more students reported interest in neurology. However, a similar increase in applications to neurology residency was not yet observed.Conclusions: An open chapter with early engagement and involvement of first and second year medical students, creating a variety of chapter activities with greater hands on involvement, planned in conjunction with office of medical education has reinvigorated our SIGN chapter.


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