Background:
SDL plays a crucial role in inculcating the habit of reading and learning in medical students. A successful medical student should have the ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee his or her own learning experience. In India, usually students start their journey in medical field quite early, they are yet to come out of the concept of relying on teachers for guidance on what and how to learn. Many of these young adults find the concept of SDL unfamiliar. While everyone possesses some level of self-direction in learning, learners differ in their readiness for SDL. CBME curriculum has made implementation of SDL mandatory.
Aim:
The present study aimed to assess the readiness for SDL among first-year MBBS students in a Government medical college of Kolkata, West Bengal, using Fisher’s SDLRS.
Methods:
This study was carried out at the department of Anatomy, of a government medical college, Kolkata, after obtaining institutional ethics committee clearance. Eighty (80) first-year MBBS students were included in the study. Two SDL sessions were conducted weekly, for gross Anatomy of two abdominal viscera. Pre-tests and Post-tests were taken before and after each session to assess students’ progress after SDL sessions. In the following week, the students were asked to answer the questionnaires applying Fischer’s Self Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS). The Fisher’s SDLRS consists of 40 items categorised in three domains. The items of Fisher’s SDLRS were scored on a five-point Likert. The total score of the Fisher’s SDLRS can range from 40 to 200. The data collected were statistically analysed in consultation with statistician.
Results:
Out of 80 students, 35 students scored more than 150 in Fischer’s Readiness scale, while 45 scored less than 150, indicating that majority of the students (56.25 %) were not ready for SDL. The mean score for SDL readiness was 140.07. The mean self- management (SM) score was 41.25, mean score for desire for learning (DL) was 42.95, and mean self- control (SC) score was 54.35.
Conclusion:
Majority the eighty first-year medical students (56.25%) were not ready for self-directed learning, and 43.75% of the students were ready. Our study threw light on the fact that despite having a high desire for learning and ability of self-control, students need to be supported in their self-management skills. Their self- directed learning readiness can be improved if guided properly.
Key words: Self- directed learning, SDLRS, Gross anatomy, Viscera
|
