The quality of the educational environment in a medical college in Saudi Arabia.

Abdullah H Altemani,Tarig H Merghani

doi:10.5116/ijme.58ce.55d2

Abdullah H Altemani, Tarig H Merghani

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5116/ijme.58ce.55d2

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Abstract

ObjectivesThe study aimed to examine the quality of the educational environment in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and to compare between male and female students using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM). MethodsWe utilized a cross-sectional survey design. Participants were 221 medical students (96 males and 125 females) from all classes (1st to 6th year). Each participant responded to a translated version of the DREEM questionnaire that measures five domains: students' perception of learning (SPL), students' perception of teachers (SPT), students' academic self-perception (SASP), students' perception of atmosphere (SPA), and students' social self-perception (SSSP). Numerical differences between male and female students were analyzed using the Student's t-test. ResultsThe global average score of female students was significantly higher (105.0±22.9, 53% of maximum score) than male students (98.3±24.3, 49% of maximum score; t(219)= -2.119, p= 0.035). The major gender difference was found in the SPT domain, with a higher score in the females (60%) compared to the male (50%) cohort (t (219)= -5.519, p = 0.000). Differences in the other domains were statistically insignificant. Out of the 50 DREEM items, the items that need attention were 32 and 23 on the male and the female sides respectively. ConclusionsThe perception of the educational environment by the female students is significantly better than male students. The study provides valuable information about many educational problems that need attention. DREEM-based surveys are highly recommended for periodic monitoring of the educational environment.

Highlights

The term "educational environment" indicates all factors that affect the process of students' learning, such as the physical location, teachers, colleagues, and culture
The major gender difference was found in the students' perception of teachers (SPT) domain, with a higher score in the females (60%) compared to the male (50%) cohort (t = (219) -5.519, p = 0.000)
It is defined as everything that happens within the classroom, department, faculty or university that is essential in determining the success of undergraduate medical education.[1,2]

Summary

Introduction

The term "educational environment" indicates all factors that affect the process of students' learning, such as the physical location, teachers, colleagues, and culture. The environment can be considered as a positive learning environment when it increases students' motivation towards learning, promotes their knowledge and skills, and stimulates their sense of social well-being. Evaluation of the educational environment has been regarded as a key to the delivery of high-quality medical education.[3] The evaluation can be considered as a reflection of the quality of a curriculum and can be used to identify weak areas that require appropriate measures for improvement.[4] The recent innovations in medical curricula and the increasing diversity of undergraduate students and medical courses have led to an increasing need to evaluate the educational environment of medical schools.[5]

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