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Assessing the Multiple Dimensions of Engagement to Characterize Learning: A Neurophysiological Perspective
Published on: July 1, 2015
A multi-site study on medical school selection, performance, motivation and engagement
A Wouters1,2, G Croiset3,4, N R Schripsema5
1Research in Education, VUmc School of Medical Sciences, VU University Medical Center, PK KTC 5.002, Post box 7057, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. a.wouters@vumc.nl.
Top pre-university GPA students performed best in medical school, outperforming those admitted through selection. However, participation in selection correlated with higher engagement and better clinical performance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Student Selection
- Higher Education
Background:
- Medical school admissions aim to identify motivated students, but current methods may be suboptimal.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of different admissions strategies is crucial for improving student selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the academic performance and motivation of students admitted through selection versus a weighted lottery with direct admission for top pre-university GPA (top-pu-GPA) students.
- To investigate the impact of prior participation in selection on students admitted via weighted lottery.
Main Methods:
- A multi-site cross-sectional questionnaire study involving Year-1 and Year-4 medical students.
- Assessed motivation (quality and strength) and engagement using validated questionnaires.
- Analyzed academic performance data (GPA, course credits, clerkship performance) and compared admission pathways using regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Top-pu-GPA students demonstrated superior academic performance compared to selected students.
- Selected Year-1 students showed higher strength of motivation than top-pu-GPA students.
- Participation in selection was linked to increased engagement and improved Year-4 clerkship performance.
Conclusions:
- Top-pu-GPA students exhibit the best academic outcomes, questioning the added value of extensive selection procedures over weighted lotteries.
- While selection may boost motivation strength, its overall benefit compared to simpler methods needs further investigation.
- Low response rates and small group sizes necessitate cautious interpretation of findings.
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