Medical students' approaches to learning over a full degree programme.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Student learning approaches (deep, surface, strategic) are influenced by the educational environment.
• The General Medical Council's
• Tomorrow's Doctors
• ] report advocated for pedagogical changes in medical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To cultivate a deep learning approach in undergraduate medical students.
• To assess the impact of curriculum changes on student learning strategies.

Main Methods:

• Implemented explicit learning objectives (SOLO taxonomy), problem-based learning, and aligned assessments.
• Measured changes using the Approaches to Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST).

Main Results:

• Deep learning approach scores remained high; surface approach scores were lowest.
• Minimal changes observed in student approaches throughout the program, with a slight decrease in surface approach scores for intercalated degree students.

Conclusions:

• Existing student learning approaches may be resistant to change, potentially due to early establishment or perceived success.
• Curriculum interventions may require greater intensity or different strategies to significantly alter established learning behaviors.