Abstract
A self-help group approach was used to enhance medical students' self-directed learning (SDL) skills within an elective course. The SDL task profile envisaged included personal responsibility for, self-direction, and self-monitoring of learning. Reflection and learning partnerships were supported and facilitated by discussion and exercises in a small group context. Self-assessment of SDL tasks, as well as measures of approaches to study using the Approaches to Studying Inventory, were obtained. The results showed increased level of self-efficacy regarding the SDL tasks at the end-of-course. The task self-ratings had significant relationships to measures of deep approach to study. Academic achievement (GPA) was significantly higher for students who participated in the elective experience than for controls. Among the participants, 67% showed enhancement of the SDL task profile. Reasons for lack of improvement are discussed. The findings suggest that the approach used maybenefit most, but not all students under constraining conditions.
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Sobral, D.T. Improving learning skills: a self-help group approach. Higher Education 33, 39–50 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1002997022123
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1002997022123