Encouraging an environment to nurture lifelong learning: an Asian experience

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychology
• Asian Studies

Background:

• Traditional grading systems in Asian medical schools can induce high student stress.
• Peer competition is a significant stressor for medical students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a distinction/pass/fail (D/P/F) grading system on medical student stress.
• To assess changes in exam performance following the grading system shift.

Main Methods:

• Administered the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) to first-year medical students.
• Compared stress levels and exam performance between cohorts with traditional vs. D/P/F grading.
• Collected qualitative comments for thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Students under the D/P/F system reported significantly lower stress levels.
• Qualitative analysis revealed reduced stress from peer competition.
• No significant differences in overall student exam performance were observed.

Conclusions:

• A D/P/F grading system can reduce stress and competition in Asian medical education without harming academic outcomes.
• This grading shift may promote a learning orientation and lifelong learning skills.
• Implications for educational policy and student well-being in medical schools.