Preclinical Medical Students' Perspectives and Experiences With Structured Web-Based English for Medical Purposes...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Language Acquisition
• Digital Learning

Background:

• English for Medical Purposes (EMP) is crucial for medical students but often undervalued.
• Students' demanding schedules necessitate flexible and accessible learning methods.
• Limited research exists on the exclusive use of structured web-based learning for EMP in undergraduate medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate medical students' perceptions of structured web-based EMP courses.
• To assess the impact of these courses on medical English proficiency.
• To utilize both objective and subjective measures for evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Developed evidence-based structured web-based EMP courses.
• Conducted a cross-sectional study with 535 medical students.
• Collected data via questionnaires, LMS, and the Khon Kaen University Medical English Test (KKUMET).

Main Results:

• High student confidence reported in reading, vocabulary, and listening skills.
• Statistically significant improvements observed in all four language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) post-course (P<.001).
• Top-rated benefits included convenience, sufficient instruction, and clear content.

Conclusions:

• Structured web-based EMP courses are relevant and positively received by medical students.
• These courses demonstrably enhance medical English proficiency.
• Integration of structured web-based EMP programs is recommended for medical educators.