Medical student use of objectives in basic science and clinical instruction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term use of objectives by medical students who were experienced with objectives and immersed in a basic science and clinical curriculum referenced to objectives. The investigators examined: the extent to which medical students used objectives, the manner in which they used objectives as they progressed through the curriculum, and the factors that influenced their use of objectives. Questionnaires mailed to two classes of students yielded a 77 percent (n = 103) response rate. Students reported that objectives were essential early in the curriculum, but they became gradually less useful as the curriculum proceeded. The two factors showing most influence on the students' use of objectives were the relation of objectives to testing and the quality of the objectives. Curricular implications and questions to be addressed in future research were discussed.