A Comparative Study to Assess Learning Environment in A Medical College in Tribal District of A P

Abstract

Background: Students admitted in medical college are expected to acquire quality education. But, while studying in medical college, teaching and learning are not merely important. Apart from this, the environment in which the student learns equally plays important role. Aim: To assess the learning environment of the medical students by administering the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire to the first, second and third year medical students of a medical college located in a tribal region and to identify areas that need consideration. Methods: The DREEM Questionnaire comprised of 50 items based on the Likert scale (0-200 range scores). The five domains included were Student's perceptions of learning (SPL), Student's perception of teachers (SPT), Student's academic self- perceptions (SASP), Student's perception of atmosphere (SPA) and Student's social self perceptions (SSSP). Data was analyzed by PRISM software. Results: The study included 81 first year, 71 second year and 43 third year MBBS students. The overall DREEM score was 122.56/200. SPL 30.40/48, SPT 24.70/44, SASP 21.29/32, SPA 28.90/48, SSSP 17.24/28. There was no significant difference between male and female students, but a significant difference was found between first year, second year, third in terms of SPL and SPT. Conclusion: The assessment of learning environment in the medical college by the students is average and there is further scope of improvement.