Predominant learning approaches of medical students in Saudi Arabia

Purpose of the study This study aims at identifying the predominant learning approaches by Saudi medical students across Saudi Arabia and assess its possible associations with sociodemographic and educational characteristics. Study design A cross-sectional study design using the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students questionnaire. The questionnaire gives rise to three possible learning approaches; deep, strategic and surface approaches. Bivariate analyses were performed through independent samples t-test and chi(2) tests where appropriate. A multinominal regression analysis was performed to obtain risk estimates and 95% CIs. Results A total of 3767 students participated and were included in the analysis. The predominant learning approach was the deep approach, followed by the strategic and surface approaches (40.59%, 37.81% and 21.60%, respectively). Males and students belonging to private medical schools were more likely to adopt a strategic rather than a deep one (relative risk ratio (RRR) 1.22, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.42 and RRR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.65, respectively). Students with an A grade point average (GPA) were less likely to adopt a surface approach, whereas those with a C GPA were more likely to adopt it (RRR=0.67, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.83 and RRR=1.29, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.61, respectively). Conclusion The findings from this study show that medical students predominantly favour the deep learning approach. Results from this study encourage the continuous adaptation of clinical teaching in medical schools to optimise students' learning experiences.

Automated summary

The study aimed to identify the predominant learning approaches of Saudi medical students in different regions of Saudi Arabia and evaluate the possible associations with sociodemographic and educational characteristics. The findings showed that male students and those attending private medical schools were more likely to adopt a strategic learning approach, while students with an A grade point average were less likely to adopt a surface learning approach.