Module to facilitate self-directed learning among medical undergraduates: Development and implementation.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pedagogy

Background:

• Self-directed learning (SDL) is crucial for lifelong learning in medicine.
• Medical knowledge is rapidly expanding, necessitating continuous learning skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement an SDL module for medical undergraduates.
• To assess student perceptions of the developed SDL module.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method design (qualitative and quantitative) was employed.
• An SDL module was created based on literature review and faculty focus groups.
• Feedback was collected from first-semester undergraduates via questionnaires.

Main Results:

• 130 out of 160 students provided feedback on the module.
• 67% of students were satisfied with the module.
• 66% of students felt motivated to study the topic further; qualitative feedback indicated a desire for more active facilitator involvement.

Conclusions:

• SDL modules are valuable additions to the medical undergraduate curriculum.
• Implementing SDL fosters lifelong learning skills essential for medical professionals.