Medical students’ orientation toward lifelong learning in an outcome-based curriculum and the lessons learnt

Abstract

Background

Lifelong learning (LL) is an important outcome of medical training. The objective of this study is to measure the orientation of medical students toward LL and to determine the types of self-directed learning (SDL) activities that contribute toward LL skills.

Methods

The Jefferson Scale of Physician Lifelong Learning for medical student (JeffSPLL-MS) questionnaire was used. Factor analysis was performed, Cronbach’s alpha and effect size were calculated. The types of learning activities that contribute to LL skills were identified.

Results

Three-factor structure emerged from the factor analysis and were identified as learning beliefs and motivation, skills in seeking information and attention to learning opportunities. A significant increase (p < .05; ES = 0.27) in orientation toward LL with academic progression was observed. Clinical students improved significantly in the domains of ‘skills in seeking information’ (p < .001; ES = 0.48) and ‘attention to learning opportunities’ (p < .001; ES = 0.55). Problem-based learning, flipped classroom, guided reading, projects and experiential learning activities are perceived to be effective for promoting LL.

Conclusions

Medical students’ LL skills develop progressively from preclinical to clinical years. Self-directed learning activities are perceived to be effective in promoting LL skills.

Acknowledgements

The IMU supplement is sponsored and supported by IMU Education Sdn Bhd.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

We would like to thank the International Medical University, Malaysia, for the funding [IMU333/2015] provided for this project.

Notes on contributors

Srinivasan Ramamurthy

Srinivasan Ramamurthy, MPharm, PhD, was a Senior Lecturer and the Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry in the School of Pharmacy at the International Medical University, Malaysia.

Hui Meng Er

Hui Meng Er, BSc (Hons), PhD, PgCertMedEd, is a Professor in the School of Pharmacy and Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning at the International Medical University, Malaysia.

Vishna Devi Nadarajah

Vishna Devi Nadarajah, BSc (Hons), PhD, MHPE, is a Professor of Human Biology in the School of Medicine and Pro Vice Chancellor Education at the International Medical University, Malaysia.

Ammu Kutty Radhakrishnan

Ammu Kutty Radhakrishnan, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, was a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Associate Dean of Academic & International Affairs in the School of Medicine, International Medical University, Malaysia.