Evaluation of perception of first year medical students about their learning environment in a South Indian medical college

Abstract

Background: Medical students’ learning environment is crucial for effective learning and plays an important role in their academic success. Understanding the perception of medical students’ learning environment, especially in first year may help in planning for interventions that will facilitate learning. Aims and objectives: Aim of the study was to assess the perceptions of first year medical students about their learning environment in a south Indian Medical college using Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) scaleMaterials and methods: The Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire was distributed to all 145 first-year medical students of a South Indian medical college during their induction programme. The questionnaire contained 50 items scored on a 0–4 Likert scale. There were five domains in the questionnaire, including students' perceptions about learning, teachers, atmosphere, academic self-perceptions, and social self-perceptions.Results: 143 first year medical students participated in the study. The overall mean scores for student perception about learning, perception of teachers, academic self-perception, perception of atmosphere and social self-perceptions was 39.20/48, 28.24/44, 26.75/32, 32.74/48 and 18.47/28 respectively.Conclusion: The overall student perception about their learning environment was positive. The analysis of the results also helped in identifying the areas that needed to improvement.