Ghazal Mansouri; Zeinab Sadat Rooholamini; Fatemeh Karami Robati
Abstract
Background: Choosing a medical specialty is an important choice for medical students and the healthcare system.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the interest of last-year medical students in choosing a future medical specialty and determine effective factors in it.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional ...
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Background: Choosing a medical specialty is an important choice for medical students and the healthcare system.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the interest of last-year medical students in choosing a future medical specialty and determine effective factors in it.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 201 medical students was performed in Iran in 2019. All medical students who completed the internship period by the end of September 2020 were selected by census method. A questionnaire was applied, the validity and reliability of which had already been registered in the Statistics Center of Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran. Data analysis was performed using descriptive methods, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and SPSS software (version 20). A significance level of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: About 98% of students intended to choose a future medical specialty. The highest number of interested students were female (66%) and single (83.2%), with a mean age of 26.69 ± 12.22 years. The parents’ educational level of most students interested in continuing education was a bachelor’s degree or lower (52.3%). “Achieving a better economic position” (91.4%) was the most important factor for choosing a specialty. Most participants were interested in ophthalmology (18.2%). The factors “specific working hours” and “easy residency period” were indicated most frequently as effects on the preference for ophthalmology.Conclusion: The present findings provide significant insight into creating strategies to attract a number of medical students in other specialties based on the needs of the Iranian healthcare system.
Mahdieh Torkashvand; Matineh Pourrahimi; Hadi Jalilvand; Mojtaba Abdi; Ebrahim Nasiri; Fatemeh Haghi
Abstract
Background: Students’ academic failure is one of the educational problems causing the loss of allocated resources.Objectives: This study aimed to assess the factors affecting the academic failure of students and their viewpoints regarding the factors affecting educational achievement at Guilan ...
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Background: Students’ academic failure is one of the educational problems causing the loss of allocated resources.Objectives: This study aimed to assess the factors affecting the academic failure of students and their viewpoints regarding the factors affecting educational achievement at Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Guilan, Iran.Methods: The present cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 375 students in medical, nursing, and other related fields. A valid and reliable multipart questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Based on the obtained results, the criteria for academic failure were extracted. Then, due to abnormal data distribution, Spearman nonparametric statistical test was used to analyze the data using both SPSS software (version 23) and GraphPad Prism software (version 7).Results: According to the obtained results, the frequency of academic failure in the study population was 25.6%. Moreover, 28.46% of the students were satisfied with their field of study. Academic failure showed the strongest relationships with gender, regularity, and precision in the study. Furthermore, the most effective factors in educational achievement from the students’ viewpoints were student motivation, professor’s mastery over the subject, and student occupational future.Conclusion: It is necessary to create a system to precisely investigate students’ academic failure and counseling needs to help them if necessary.
Shima Hamzenejad; Roghaieh Ershad Sarabi; Yunes Jahani
Abstract
Background: E-learning is often covered in university curricula.Objectives: The purpose of this research was to identify the learning preferences of students and to look at the connection between learning styles and e-learning pleasure.Methods: All first- through third-year dentistry students at Kerman ...
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Background: E-learning is often covered in university curricula.Objectives: The purpose of this research was to identify the learning preferences of students and to look at the connection between learning styles and e-learning pleasure.Methods: All first- through third-year dentistry students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences participated in this descriptive cross-sectional survey in 2022. Four key portions of a 50-question electronic survey were addressed: 1) Demographic questions, 2) Kolb learning style inventory, 3) the e-learning survey, and 4) satisfaction with the e-learning questionnaire. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check the normality of the data. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage) and analytical (Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-score test, Fisher's exact test) were used to analyze the data in SPSS software. A significance level of P>0.05 was considered.Results: The questionnaire was filled out by 120 students in total (88% response rate). Divergent learning styles substantially increased students' satisfaction with e-learning compared to other learning styles (P = 0.048). The demographic variable and learning style did not significantly correlate (age-gender-semester- mean score). Additionally, e-learning had a middle-of-the-road average satisfaction score (78.32).Conclusion: This research indicated a considerable relationship between dental students’ learning style and their satisfaction with e-learning.
Saeid Heidari-Soureshjani; Parastoo Yarmohammadi-Samani; Abdollah Mohammadian-Hafshejani; Dariush Gholipour Mofrad-Dashtaki
Abstract
Background: Research anxiety and academic self-concept are among the factors that can be effective in improving the level of students’ capabilities in research in the field of medical education.Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between research anxiety and ...
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Background: Research anxiety and academic self-concept are among the factors that can be effective in improving the level of students’ capabilities in research in the field of medical education.Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between research anxiety and academic self-concept in master’s and doctoral students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences.Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical research was conducted on 102 graduate students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in the master’s and doctoral degrees in 2019. Sampling was performed using a convenience method. The data collection tool included the Higgins Research Anxiety Inventory and the Academic Self-Concept Questionnaire (ASCQ). The data were analyzed by calculating the mean and standard deviation, the independent t-test, and the Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS software.Results: In master’s students, research anxiety was inversely and significantly correlated with academic self-concept (r = -0.339, P = 0.002) and academic self-confidence (r = -0.425, P < 0.001). Also, academic self-concept was directly and significantly associated with academic self-confidence (r = 0.876, P < 0.001) and academic effort (r = 0.821, P < 0.001). In doctoral students, academic self-concept also showed a direct and significant association with academic self-confidence (r = 0.835, P < 0.001) and academic effort (r = -0.753, P < 0.001).Conclusion: Research anxiety was associated with academic self-concept in master’s students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, but such a relationship was not found in doctoral students.
Forouzan Sadeghimahalli; Roghayeh Valipour Khajehghyasi; Somayeh Akbari Farmad
Abstract
Background: Teaching and training require ethical considerations.Objectives: The present study aimed at evaluating teaching ethics from the perspectives of professors and postgraduate students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences based on a comparative approach.Methods: A cross-sectional study ...
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Background: Teaching and training require ethical considerations.Objectives: The present study aimed at evaluating teaching ethics from the perspectives of professors and postgraduate students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences based on a comparative approach.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on all postgraduate students and their professors in the academic year of 2019-2020. A total of 284 postgraduate students and 42 professors were selected using a stratified random sampling method, according to the size of each stratum. The data collection instrument was the standard teacher's professional ethics scale including six subscales and 48 items, scored based on a five-point Likert scale from 1 to 5. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance.Results: The total mean score of professional ethics for professors was 3.67±0.63 and 4.29± 0.59 from the students' and professors’ perspectives, respectively. There was a significant difference between the students' and professors’ perspectives in each of the subscales (P<0.0001). There was a significant difference among schools in the teaching techniques mastery and observation of rules subscales.Conclusion: From the perspective of students, the status of teaching ethics is still far from the standard, and it needs more educational plans to improve.
Masoumeh Safikani; Noushin Kohan; Yunes Jahani; Esmat Nouhi
Abstract
Background: Although virtual training has been considered an educational emergency during the coronavirus crisis, it is still discussed in universities as a capacity. Student learning is the concern of all professors. Self-direction is an efficiency indicator in electronic learning (e-learning) widely ...
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Background: Although virtual training has been considered an educational emergency during the coronavirus crisis, it is still discussed in universities as a capacity. Student learning is the concern of all professors. Self-direction is an efficiency indicator in electronic learning (e-learning) widely used in effective educational systems.Objectives: The present study aimed to determine self-directed learning outcomes and facilitators in virtual course students of medical education.Methods: The statistical population of this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included the graduate of virtual medical education in the universities of medical sciences in Tehran, Iran, in the academic year 2019. The research instrument was the Persian version of the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 16), the indicators of descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, frequency, percentage, and standard deviation), linear regression, and Pearson correlation coefficient.Results: Out of 201 individuals, 46 (22.9%) and 155 (77.1%) students were male and female, respectively. The mean age of the students was 39.93±8.25 years. The mean values of the scores of self-directed learning outcomes and facilitators were 71.8±9.4 (out of 95) and 70.4±10.6 (out of 125), respectively. There was a direct and significant relationship between self-directed learning outcomes and facilitators (P<0.001); accordingly, with the increase of the score of facilitators, the score of self-directed learning also increased. Additionally, the variables of outcomes and facilitators had significant relationships with academic achievement (P<0.001).Conclusion: According to the study results, by increasing self-directed learning facilitators, the outcomes of this type of learning, especially students’ academic achievement, increased. Therefore, it is recommended to increase students’ participation and consolidate self-directed activities. Furthermore, by the application of technology and program appropriate to the subject of the course, professors in virtual training should strengthen and nurture students’ self-direction skills and guide them to do various assignments and activities related to their lesson objectives.
Soudabeh Ghazizadeh Ehsaei; Mehry Haddad Narafshan; Majid Zeinali Nejad
Abstract
Background: Individuals engaged in education and health currently during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic find it urgent to avail themselves of high-speed communication and information technology.Objectives: This survey was conducted to investigate the attitudes of environmental and occupational ...
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Background: Individuals engaged in education and health currently during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic find it urgent to avail themselves of high-speed communication and information technology.Objectives: This survey was conducted to investigate the attitudes of environmental and occupational health students toward Social Media (SM) use in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which its population consisted of 375 environmental and occupational health students studying at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, in the academic year 2020-2021. The present study followed a quantitative design using the Social Media Attitude Scale designed by Otrar and Argin. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26) and paired t-test.Results: The participants were within the age range of 18-46 years, and 64.8% of them were female. Instagram was the most popular SM (frequency of use: 40%). Twitter (27%), Facebook (20%), and LinkedIn (13%) were placed in the next ranks. The need for sharing (61.4±14.93) was the most preferred dimension of SM. Social competence (54.23±5.17), social isolation (51.33±4.43), and relationship with teachers (40.63±9.7) were placed in the next ranks. Moreover, there was no significant difference between environmental and occupational health students’ attitudes toward SM (P>0.01).Conclusion: Medical universities can use SM for educational purposes by designing a forum for study or helping students with health skills. However, researchers should be aware of health science students’ attitudes toward SM before developing such programs.
Serva Rezaee; Mohammad-Iraj Bagheri-Saweh; Bijan Nouri; Sina Valiee
Abstract
Background: Medication error represents one of the parameters of patient safety.Objectives: The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of the effect of simulation-based debriefing on adherence to correct principles and medication administration competence in nursing students.Methods: Internship ...
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Background: Medication error represents one of the parameters of patient safety.Objectives: The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of the effect of simulation-based debriefing on adherence to correct principles and medication administration competence in nursing students.Methods: Internship nursing students entered this experimental study using the census method. Afterward, the participants were assigned to intervention (n=18)and control (n=17) groups. Two methods were employed for data collection, namely observation and self-report questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using STATA software (version 12) and non-parametric statistical tests.Results: A significant statistical difference was found between the mean scores of adherence to correct principles of medication administration and medication administration competence before, 2, and 5 weeks after the simulation in the intervention group (P=0.0001).Conclusion: The results revealed that the simulation-based debriefing improved the nursing students’ competence in medication administration. Therefore, this method in various groups of students and a clinical and practical environment is highly recommended for other students in clinical settings.
Reza Abbasi; Ahmad Raeesi; Sahar Zare
Abstract
Background: E-learning is one of the new methods of education that helps to increase people’s knowledge and performance by using new technologies.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude of graduate and postgraduate students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences ...
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Background: E-learning is one of the new methods of education that helps to increase people’s knowledge and performance by using new technologies.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude of graduate and postgraduate students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences toward using e-learning technology.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among graduate and postgraduate students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in autumn 2017. The data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability was verified (α = 0.82). Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests (including t-test, ANOVA, and Spearman correlation) to investigate the relationship between the mean score of e-learning usefulness and students’ demographic information in SPSS software.Results: About 80% of e-learning students found it a good tool for the exchange of information and educational content between faculty and students at different universities and more than 40% believed that e-learning could improve the quality of education. About 57% of the participants were interested in using the technology. More than 70% of the students reported e-learning to be useful. Also, there was a significant relationship between the mean score of the usefulness of e-learning with age (P = 0.049), computer use skill (P = 0.025), and mobile use skill (P <0.001).Conclusion: From the students’ perspective, using e-learning technology is useful and it saves time and costs, and improves the quality of their education. It also makes it easier for students to answer their questions later. Therefore, it may be better to use this technology besides the traditional method to make it more effective.
Daryosh Gholipour Mofrad Dashtaki; Aeen Mohammadi; Mitra Zolfaghari; Sakineh Imani; Shahram Tahmasebian
Abstract
Background: Nowadays, several studies have been performed on the factors affecting the effectiveness of virtual education. One of the characteristics of learners is their different learning styles.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between learning style and the ...
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Background: Nowadays, several studies have been performed on the factors affecting the effectiveness of virtual education. One of the characteristics of learners is their different learning styles.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between learning style and the level of satisfaction and usage of e-learning facilities in medical students.Methods: This cross-sectional and retrospective (ex post facto) study was performed among medical, public health, and operating room students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2017. We redesigned their courses to be delivered in the blended method, so that teachers used a Learning Management System (LMS) in addition to traditional teaching. Information about learning styles was collected using Kolb’s questionnaire, satisfaction level evaluated with a researcher made questionnaire and use of e-learning was examined by checking system loggings. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc, Welch’s ANOVA and X2 tests in SPSS software.Results: Students’ satisfaction with e-content in diverging learning style was higher (P = 0.032), but there was no significant relationship between learning style and demographic characteristics and total average mark. Also, there was no significant difference in the amount of using e-learning facilities between different learning style groups (P = 0.256).Conclusion: It seems that using virtual learning facilities and considering the type of learning style in students can increase their satisfaction.
Azadeh Horri; Sara Amanpour; Farzaneh Jalali; Mahshad Masoumi; Sorena Fardisi
Abstract
Background: Different study skills have been developed and introduced, although most learners are apparently unaware of them.Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the frequency of using different study skills among undergraduate and postgraduate students.Method: The study population consisted ...
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Background: Different study skills have been developed and introduced, although most learners are apparently unaware of them.Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the frequency of using different study skills among undergraduate and postgraduate students.Method: The study population consisted of 201 undergraduate and 45 postgraduate students of Kerman Dental School in 2016-2017, who were selected using the random stratified sampling method. A questionnaire composed of four questions used to collect data. The questionnaire was a modified version of the one used by Karpiacke et al. The frequency of using different study skills (i.e., re-studying, re-writing, using flashcards, studying in groups, memorizing, teaching content, creating headings, self-testing, highlighting, finding connections, and finding real examples) was asked in the first question. Students’ preparation for exams and students’ satisfaction with their study skills were asked in the next questions. Data was analyzed using the chi-square test in SPSS23.Results: Of the 246 participants, 72 (35.8%) undergraduate students and 20 (44.4%) postgraduate students were male. The frequency of using different study skills was the same between the male and female undergraduate students, except for re-writing (P=0.024), studying in groups (P=0.018), and creating headings (P=0.018) which were higher in the female undergraduate students. However, there was no significant difference between male and female postgraduate students in terms of the frequency of using different study skills.Conclusion: The most and least commonly used strategies by the undergraduate and postgraduate students were re-studying and using flashcards, respectively. Only 30.3% of the undergraduate and 24.4% of the postgraduate students used the self-testing strategy.
Mahnaz Saadatbakht; Atefeh Ahmadi; Ali Mehdizadeh Zare Ansari; Mansooreh Azizzade Forouzi; Yunes Jahani
Abstract
Background: It seems that by improvement of communication skills among midwifery students, their sense of belonging in the medical setting increases.Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the effect of group counseling with emphasis on communication skills on midwifery students’ sense ...
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Background: It seems that by improvement of communication skills among midwifery students, their sense of belonging in the medical setting increases.Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the effect of group counseling with emphasis on communication skills on midwifery students’ sense of belonging in clinical settings.Methods: This interventional study with the pretest-posttest control group design was conducted on 78 midwifery students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, in 2016. The participants were selected using the census method. Of the total study population, sixty students with low level of mental health were screened using Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire and randomly included in intervention and a control group. They filled out Belongingness Scale–Clinical Placement Experience (BES–CPE) as the pretest. The intervention consisted of eight group counseling sessions (two 2-hour sessions per week) with emphasis on communication skills that were held in their faculty. The final sample included fifty two students filling out the posttest instruments. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.Results: There was no significant difference in terms of demographic factors between two groups. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of total score (p <0.0001) as well as the self-esteem and self-efficacy subscales (p <0.05).Conclusion: Sense of belonging in clinical settings is required for midwifery students so that they can improve their communication skills in such settings. Therefore, it is recommended to include programs in midwifery curricula in order to improve students’ sense of belonging by enhancing their communication skills.
Leili Mosalanejad
Abstract
The goal of teaching in medical sciences is to warrant increasing the number of people with professional identities. Teaching medical professionalism within a theoretical field is a means to achieve a goal. The foundations of identity development stipulated in educational psychology, and other related ...
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The goal of teaching in medical sciences is to warrant increasing the number of people with professional identities. Teaching medical professionalism within a theoretical field is a means to achieve a goal. The foundations of identity development stipulated in educational psychology, and other related fields have been recently applied to evaluate the process, in which specialists attain their professional identities (1).Moreover, professionalism must be taught to enhance the performance of physicians in increasingly complex healthcare systems (2). All medical universities have been actively involved in establishing and implementing structured programs of teaching and assessing professionalism to undergraduate and postgraduate students (1, 3). The commonly stated educational objectives in medial universities are to ensure the acquired cognitive base of professionalism, internalize the medical profession in students, and consistently consider professional behaviors in practice.
Faisal Muhammad
Zahra Babadi Akashe; BiBi Eshrat Zamani; Ali Kheradmand
Abstract
Background E-book is one of the forms of network publishing that has attracted extensive attention. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the acceptance of e-books among students of less-privileged areas such as Shahrekord. Methods In this descriptive, analytical ...
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Background E-book is one of the forms of network publishing that has attracted extensive attention. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the acceptance of e-books among students of less-privileged areas such as Shahrekord. Methods In this descriptive, analytical study, 371 students of Shahrekord University were selected through simple random sampling. The research instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 48 questions that was designed with the help of research literature related to the technology acceptance model and interviews with five educational technology experts. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Independent t-test, multiple regression and Pearson correlation tests. Results Cultural factors had a significant impact on users’ attitudes and their use of e-books. A significant relationship was observed between the components of usefulness, ease of use, perceived enjoyment, cultural influences and attitude with the acceptance of e-books (P < 0.001). Also, the best predictors of acceptance and use of e-books were the components of perceived enjoyment, barriers, cultural influences, and attitudes. Conclusions The results regarding the identification of the factors affecting the acceptance of e-books can be used in virtual, non-formal and distance learning centers to design primary and supplementary educational resources. Design engineers and e-book providers can also use the findings of the current research to improve and promote electronic products.
Omolbanin Rahdar; Azizollah Arbabisarjou; Somayeh Shahroudi
Abstract
Background Paying attention to students’ academic burnout and identifying the factors affecting it is one of the concerns of higher education authorities. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of quality of educational services and happiness on students’ academic ...
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Background Paying attention to students’ academic burnout and identifying the factors affecting it is one of the concerns of higher education authorities. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of quality of educational services and happiness on students’ academic burnout. Methods In this descriptive-analytical study, 477 students of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences participated in the academic year 2017 - 2018. The sampling method was stratified. Data were collected using the SERVQUAL Questionnaire, Isfahan-Fordyce Happiness Inventory (IFHI) and Breso Burnout Questionnaire. Then, they were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient, independent -test, One-way ANOVA and Multiple linear regression using SPSS. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results According to Pearson correlation coefficient, there was a significant relationship between students' happiness and academic burnout (P < 0.001), but there was no significant relationship between the quality of educational services and academic burnout (P = 0.060). The level of academic burnout was higher in male students than in female students (P = 0.003). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that only the students’ happiness variable significantly predicted variations in academic burnout (P = 0.001). Conclusions In order to reduce students’ academic burnout, effective factors such as happiness should be considered by the respective authorities and educational packages should be used to promote happiness and increase the quality of educational services.
Leila Vali; Yunes Jahani; Parinaz Khalili; Morteza Sahebi
Abstract
Background Many factors involve in the process of education i.e., the teacher, curriculum, and learning environment. The educational climate has an exact and tangible relationship with the expectations and perceptions of students, especially students of medical sciences universities, and particularly, ...
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Background Many factors involve in the process of education i.e., the teacher, curriculum, and learning environment. The educational climate has an exact and tangible relationship with the expectations and perceptions of students, especially students of medical sciences universities, and particularly, the graduate ones. Objectives The current study aimed at investigating the relationship between learning environment and expectations of graduate students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Methods The present cross sectional study was conducted on 193 graduate students from April to July 2017. The subjects were selected by stratified random sampling and weighting methods from each faculty. Data were collected through Dundee ready education environment measure (DREEM) and SERVQUAL instruments. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS. P < 0.05 was considered as the level of significance. Results Among the subjects, 62.2% were male and 52.0% single; however, 76.2% were masters’ students and 23.8% PhD candidates. From the students’ point of view, the educational climate had a better status among the learning environment dimensions. In terms of students’ expectations and perceptions of the learning environment, the tangibles and the client consideration dimensions got the highest mean scores as 42.8 and 88.8, respectively. There was a significant relationship between marital status and learning environment (P = 0.04). There was also a significant relationship between students’ perception of educational services and their semester number (P = 0.04). Conclusions It is better to use student-centered viewpoints in educational planning. Students’ satisfaction can be improves by providing appropriate learning spaces and optimizing the existing ones. Adjusting students’ expectations by familiarizing them with the line and staff constraints in higher education can play a significant role in enhancing the quality of educational services.
Mahnaz Saadatbakht; Atefeh Ahmadi; Ali Mehdizadeh Zare Ansari; Mansooreh Azizzade Forouzi; Yunes Jahani
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of group counseling with emphasis on communication skills on midwifery students’ sense of belonging in clinical settings. Methods This interventional study with the pre-test - post-test control group design was conducted on 78 midwifery students ...
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Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of group counseling with emphasis on communication skills on midwifery students’ sense of belonging in clinical settings. Methods This interventional study with the pre-test - post-test control group design was conducted on 78 midwifery students of Kerman Medical University, who were selected using the census method. Of the total study population, sixty students with low level of mental health were screened using Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire and randomly included in an intervention and a control group. They filled out Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience (BES-CPE) as the pre-test. The intervention consisted of eight group counseling sessions (two 2-hour sessions per week) with emphasis on communication skills that were held in their faculty. The final sample included fifty-two students filling out the post-test instruments. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Results There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of total score (P < 0.0001) as well as the self-esteem and self-efficacy subscales (P < 0.05). Conclusions Sense of belonging in clinical settings is required for midwifery students so that they can improve their communicaton skills in such settings. Therefore, it is recommended to include programs in midwifery curricula in order to improve students’ sense of belonging with enhancing their communication skills.
Esmat Nouhi; Sakineh Sabzevari; Hakime Hosainrezaee
Abstract
Background One of the main goals of action research is to improve the quality of education at both individual and organizational levels. Management enables organizations to improve their performance in areas, which have the greatest impact on students’ learning and empowerment, without compromising ...
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Background One of the main goals of action research is to improve the quality of education at both individual and organizational levels. Management enables organizations to improve their performance in areas, which have the greatest impact on students’ learning and empowerment, without compromising the quality of education. Objectives In this study, we aimed to improve the quality of basic clinical skills training for nursing students in an action research, using the available resources. Methods In this action research, a sequential mixed method was applied. The participants in the qualitative phase included experts in the field of education, students, and stakeholders responsible for training at the nursing skills, midwifery, and medical-surgical nursing units of Razi Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery in Kerman, Iran. Assessment of facilities and resources in the quantitative phase was also carried out using a data collection form, a student survey form, and a checklist of basic clinical skills. The stages of action research included action planning for problem-solving, implementation, evaluation, and reflection. The students’ problems with the basic clinical skills and their possible causes were also identified. The most effective and practical solutions for quality improvement included improvement of the educational environment of skill laboratories, followed by the enhancement of skills assessment process using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Results The conventional method failed in the assessment of students’ competence and lacked adequate objectivity and reliability. A significant difference was observed in the mean scores of basic clinical skills (e.g., injection, measurement of vital signs, and dressing) between the conventional method and OSCE (P < 0.05). From the viewpoint of students, OSCE is more reliable and accurate than the conventional method and uses more suitable educational materials and facilities. Conclusions Based on the findings, by improving the educational environment of clinical skills laboratories and implementation of OSCE, nursing students can translate their knowledge of basic clinical skills into practice. We can also improve the quality of health services and clinical care for patients and reduce the incidence of practical errors made by nursing students.
Ahad Amiri Gharghani; Majid Amiri Gharghani; Ali Asghar Hayat
Abstract
Background Success and academic achievement are among the most important goals of both students and educational systems. Researchers have examined the impact of different factors such as intelligence, personality, attitude, study habits, thinking skills and academic motivation on students’ academic ...
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Background Success and academic achievement are among the most important goals of both students and educational systems. Researchers have examined the impact of different factors such as intelligence, personality, attitude, study habits, thinking skills and academic motivation on students’ academic performance. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of motivational beliefs and cognitive and metacognitive strategies with students’ academic achievement. Methods In this descriptive - analytic cross-sectional study, the statistical population included all medical and health students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (1405 students), 250 of whom were selected according to the Levy and Lemeshow’s formula. After estimating the sample size, the stratified random sampling method was used. To collect data, Pintrich and de Groot’s motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ) was employed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and independent -test. Results Among the components of cognitive learning strategies, comprehension (r = 0.1266, P < 0.10), and among the components of metacognitive learning strategies, the regulation component (r = 0.049, P < 0.05) had a significant positive correlation with academic performance. Among the components of motivational beliefs, the self-efficacy component (r = 0.173, P < 0.10) showed a significant positive correlation with academic performance. Based on the results of multiple regression analysis, only metacognitive learning strategies had the ability to predict the academic performance of the students. There was no significant difference between male and female students in any of the studied variables. Conclusions Based on the results, students who use more diverse cognitive strategies show better performance than others. Performance is more desirable among those who evaluate their understanding of the content of the course and make more efforts and have more perseverance (regulation) in the learning process. Students who believe in their abilities (self-efficacy) and reinforce these beliefs will have a better academic performance.
Soleiman Ahmady; Fariba Haghnejad; Zeinab Abbasi
Abstract
Background and Objectives Teacher evaluation is among the most influential methods of quality assurance and is essential to continuous quality improvement in education systems. The current study aims to evaluate the views of faculty members and basic sciences medical students on the evaluation of teachers ...
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Background and Objectives Teacher evaluation is among the most influential methods of quality assurance and is essential to continuous quality improvement in education systems. The current study aims to evaluate the views of faculty members and basic sciences medical students on the evaluation of teachers by students in the Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Tehran, Iran. Methods The current descriptive analytical study was conducted in the faculty of medical sciences during the winter of 2015. The census sampling method was used to select the participants and 335 students and 35 faculty members were enrolled accordingly, of which 300 students (89.5%) and 33 faculty members (94.2%) completed the study. The data collection instrument used was a 20-item questionnaire (created by the researcher) scored on a 5-option Likert scale. The formal validity, content validity, content validity ratio (CVR), content validity index (CVI), and the structural validity of the questionnaire were confirmed using exploratory factor analysis. Its validity was measured by the Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed with SPSS using t test. Results It was found that the lecturer’s popularity, students’ grades, and the research evidence provided by the lecturer in the classroom were the most important factors, while gender and course type were the least important factors influencing students’ evaluation of lecturers in the current study. The mean scores of students and lecturers regarding their views on the teacher evaluation system were 79.14 ± 11.89 and 78.00 ± 8.15 respectively. According to the results of an independent t test, no significant difference was observed between the scores of lecturers and students regarding their views on the teacher evaluation system (P > 0.01). Conclusions The questionnaire created by the researcher showed good validity and reliability to evaluate the views of faculty members and students on the teacher evaluation system. The lecturer’s popularity, students’ grades, and the research evidence provided by the lecturer were considered as the most important factors, while gender and course type were the least important factors influencing the teachers’ evaluation, based on the comments of the faculty members and students.
Niloofar Shadman; Shahram Farzin Ebrahimi; Molook Torabi; Sina Safari; Sara Khaleghi; Marzieh Karimi-Afshar
Volume 13, Issue 6 , March 2017, , Pages 598-606
Abstract
Background & Objective: Restorative dentistry is a fundamental field in dentistry and students opinions about its education can be helpful in finding its deficiencies and solving them The aim of this study was to evaluate dentistry students attitudes toward restorative dentistry education and its ...
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Background & Objective: Restorative dentistry is a fundamental field in dentistry and students opinions about its education can be helpful in finding its deficiencies and solving them The aim of this study was to evaluate dentistry students attitudes toward restorative dentistry education and its facilities and physical environment Methods: This descriptive crosssectional study was performed on fourth fifth and sixth year students of the School of Dentistry of Kerman University of Medical Sciences Iran The data collection tool was a twopart questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics form and 38 questions about environment facilities and educational and exam methods and 1 open question scored based on a Likert scale (very appropriate to inappropriate) Data were analyzes using ttest ANOVA and linear regression in SPSS software The significant level was considered as 005 in all tests Results: Among the 110 participates 618% were women and 382% were men The average attitude score (from 26 to 130) was 8486 ± 1130 Overall attitude score was not significantly different between genders academic years and different restorative scores However in the education field the fifth and sixth year students had significantly higher attitude scores than the fourth year students Conclusion: Satisfaction with the clinical and theoretical education of restorative dentistry in the School of Dentistry of Kerman University of Medical Sciences is acceptable but its physical environment and facilities must be improved
Fatemeh Khademian; Mohtaram Nematollahi; Fariba Farahmand
Volume 13, Issue 6 , March 2017, , Pages 617-625
Abstract
Background & Objective: Studying at a university is one of the important stressful situations Previous studies have shown the adverse effects of stress on students physical and mental health The aim of the current study was to determine the sources of academic stress and its relation to demographic ...
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Background & Objective: Studying at a university is one of the important stressful situations Previous studies have shown the adverse effects of stress on students physical and mental health The aim of the current study was to determine the sources of academic stress and its relation to demographic variables in students at the School of Medical Management and Information of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Iran Methods: This crosssectional study was conducted on 95 students (65 women and 30 men) with a mean age of 219 ± 1830 years (age range: 1830) The subjects were selected using stratified random sampling method Data were gathered using the Academic Stress Questionnaire (ASQ) and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods independent ttest the Pearson correlation coefficient and ANOVA Results: The findings indicated that the domain of difficulty managing work family and university had the highest mean score (402 ± 231) and the domain of difficulty with interaction at the university had the lowest mean score (261 ± 184) A significant negative association was found between age and the domain of difficulty managing work family and university (r = 0026 P = 001) In addition the mean score of second year students was significantly higher in the domains of difficulty with academic performance in class (P = 003) and difficulty with academic performance outside the class (P = 004) compared to other domains The most common stressors were observed in the domain of difficulty managing work family and university This domain was more important among younger students Conclusion: It is recommended that more attention be paid to this important issue in student educational and counseling programs
Sara Afshar; Dorsa Hamedi; Nasibeh Noori-Moombeini; Nazila Akbarfahimi
Volume 13, Issue 5 , January 2017, , Pages 468-475
Abstract
Background & Objective: The ultimate goal of medical universities is clinical efficacy in their students Students evaluation of selfefficacy can be a good guide to predicting their clinical skills Therefore this research was designed to evaluate the effect of occupational therapy clinical training ...
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Background & Objective: The ultimate goal of medical universities is clinical efficacy in their students Students evaluation of selfefficacy can be a good guide to predicting their clinical skills Therefore this research was designed to evaluate the effect of occupational therapy clinical training during one semester on selfefficacy and clinical reasoning in students and the relationship between these two factors Methods: This descriptiveanalytical and crosssectional study was conducted on 42 third and fourth year undergraduate students of occupational therapy who were passing the clinical education course The study was conducted in all occupational therapy clinical centers of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran through census sampling in 2014 The General SelfEfficacy Scale (10 questions) and SelfAssessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning (26 questions) were used in this study Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and parametric tests such as paired ttest independent ttest and the Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS software Results: Results indicated a significant change (from 2997 ± 387 in pretest to 3180 ± 404 in posttest) in students selfefficacy during one semester (P = 0009) However the increase in mean scores of clinical reasoning and selfreflection at the end of the semester was not significant (P = 0460) There was a weak correlation between the selfefficacy variable and clinical reasoning and selfreflection (P = 0010 r = 039) Scores did not show statistically significant differences in either cases and between the two sexes Conclusion: According to the results of this study clinical training program in the field of occupational therapy led to the creation and promotion of selfefficacy in students but does not increase clinical reasoning among them Therefore revision of clinical training of students and improvement of their clinical courses plans seems necessary
Mahshid Loloie; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Azam Bazrafshan; Maryam Okhovati; Ali Mohammad Mokhtari; Morteza Zare
Volume 13, Issue 5 , January 2017, , Pages 505-514
Abstract
Background & Objective: academic failure has always been one of the major challenges of higher education institutions that could cause serious individual and social outcomes This study aimed to analysis the effect of potential factors on students academic failure in Kerman University of Medical Sciences ...
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Background & Objective: academic failure has always been one of the major challenges of higher education institutions that could cause serious individual and social outcomes This study aimed to analysis the effect of potential factors on students academic failure in Kerman University of Medical Sciences Iran Methods: This was an unmatched casecontrol study The study population consisted of all undergraduate students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in two semesters in 2012 From 514 selected students 246 were assigned to the case group and the rest were studied in the control group Data were collected using a selfadministered questionnaire via consensus methodology The questionnaire consisted of three sections: individual family and academic factors Reliability of the questionnaire was approved by a group of faculty members and its internal consistency was estimated as 082 Data were analyzed using SPSS software Results: The mean age of studied students was 222 years The mean grade point average (GPA) of was 142 and 169 in cases and controls respectively Academic failure was 164 times more in boys than the girls (P = 002) and 159 times more in students who had a sense of frustration (P = 002) Students who reported using drugs tobacco or alcohol experienced academic failure 639 times more than the others (P = 001) Conclusion: Academic failure is a phenomenon affected by multiple factors Therefore reducing it requires the participation of a wide range of people taking part in students learning