Perception of learning environment using the DREEM questionnaire at a North Indian medical college

Abstract

Background: The educational setting is a crucial element of a curriculum and a gauge of the caliber of its graduates. The educational environment (EE) is shaped by a variety of elements. This study was undertaken to measure the EE of a private non-government run medical college in North India as perceived by its students. Aims and Objectives: Effective student learning is heavily dependent on the EE. A proven approach for evaluating the EE is the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). This study attempted to identify areas of strengths and shortcomings as well as potential for changes in the current EE. Materials and Methods: After the approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, the DREEM was used in this cross-sectional assessment at a private non-government run medical college in North India. While protecting their anonymity, the DREEM survey was given to all of the institute’s students spanning various semesters. Non-parametric tests were used to determine the institute’s overall and domain scores for various semesters. Results: The median DREEM score was 126/200 for a total of 202 students who returned the finished questionnaires. The percentage score for “students’ perceptions of academic self” was the greatest 66.5%, and the percentage score for “students’ social self-perception” was the lowest 57.9%. The perspectives of students in various educational years varied non-significantly. Conclusion: The median DREEM score was more favorable than unfavorable. The report outlined the program’s advantages as well as its shortcomings. Corrective actions taken to address the issues found would raise the standard of the learning environment and, by extension, the program.