Students' perception of the educational environment of medical schools in Korea: findings from a nationwide survey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine students' perception of the educational environment of medical schools in Korea. A total of 9,096 of 12,035 students (75.6%) responded to our questionnaire. This study was conducted at the end of the 2013 academic year using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) at 40 medical schools in Korea. DREEM comprises five domains: students' perceptions of learning (SPL); students' perceptions of teachers (SPT); students' academic self-perceptions; students' perceptions of atmosphere; and students' social self-perception. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance. The overall mean DREEM score was 113.97 (of 200), and the scores for the 40 medical schools ranged from 100.24 to 134.32. The overall mean and domains scores of the DREEM differed significantly between educational systems, grades, genders, and academic achievement levels. Graduate-level medical students had higher scores for the DREEM and its five domains than undergraduate medical students. The scores were lowest in second-year students (mean, 111.80). Male students' perceptions were significantly higher than those of female students except for SPL and SPT. High academic achievers' perceptions were also greater versus low academic achievers. Students' perceptions of their educational environment are positive in Korea. The learning environment should be evaluated by curriculum planners and administrators of medical schools to improve its quality.