Indian Undergraduate Students Research Articles

Changing Medical Students' Attitudes to Psychiatry through Newer Teaching Techniques.

The significance of mental health in the entire health scenario has increased. However, the representation of psychiatry in the current MBBS curriculum for undergraduate students in India still remains much less than desirable. Further, stigmatising attitudes lessen these future doctors’ ability to detect and manage patients with psychological problems despite adequate knowledge about psychiatry. Students believe that psychiatrically ill patients are unpredictable and can be dangerous to others. Some feel that psychiatry is unscientific, imprecise and treatment is not effective. Traditional teaching methods are directed more towards imparting knowledge than changing the attitudes of students. Newer teaching and assessment techniques should be used to bring about attitudinal changes and develop interest among medical students. Case based and problem based learning, small group teaching, simulated patients, using movies, multidisciplinary seminars, integrated teaching, attitude questionnaires, objective structured clinical examinations etc., could be introduced in the curriculum to achieve this objective.

Motivation: A Building Block of a Nation’s Future

With ever increasing competition in the 21st century academic arena, a majority of learners have found to be lagging behind in the race. The reason which has been identified is, lack of motivating classroom environment, which is the core of all success. The present study aims at highlighting the importance of motivating the learners. To bring into its relevance, a comparative study encompassing the expectations of Saudi and Indian undergraduate students and the respective teachers reach to it, has been made. It brought to light the gap between the demand and supply of the learners and instructors respectively. The gap is wider in the Saudian context than their counterpart. Therefore, the paper appraises the differences and suggests solutions.

Social strategy use and language learning contexts: A case study of Malayalee undergraduate students in India

Abstract This article reports on the social strategy use among India's Malayalee undergraduate students across eight university colleges in one university in Kerala State. The investigation examines social strategy use in three main language learning contexts (in class, on campus outside the classroom, and off campus) and explores the topic from structuralist and sociocultural perspectives. The study also investigates the interplay of stakeholders' desires and opportunities in conversational contexts, in which individuals and groups deployed social strategies and yet experienced their sociocultural positions being challenged. Data were collected through interviews and the Social Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SSILL), a questionnaire that was built on but expanded beyond the social strategies in Oxford's (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). Results indicate that although participating Malayalee undergraduate students seem highly motivated and fairly cooperative, they settled for less than optimal use of interactive social strategies, probably because their legitimate right to become proficient speakers of English continued to be hampered by language education policies. The situation is far more pervasive than what several previous studies of language learning strategies (LLS) had envisaged. These findings imply that there is an urgent need to socialize and acculturate the less proficient Malayalee students into English-speaking groups to make their transition from schools to colleges smoother and to give them more autonomy.

A Six-Step Approach to Develop a Curriculum in ‘Communication and Interpersonal Skills’ – For Indian Undergraduate Medical Students

This paper describes a scholarly and systematic way for introduction of a curriculumin ‘Communication and Interpersonal Skills’ (CIS) for the Indian undergraduate medical students based on the conceptual framework given by Kern using the six-step approach, i.e. problem identification; targeted needs assessment; goals and objectives; educational strategies; implementation and evaluation; and feedback. Developing strong communication skills is integral to becoming an effective healthcare provider. In the recent years, good doctor–patient communication has been linked to improved patient satisfaction, better patient care and a decrease in malpractice lawsuits. Competence in CIS within the healthcare teams is learned through a hidden curriculum of on-the-job training or not at all. In this paper, we describe a curriculum having eight modules, and every 6 months, one module can be completed over a period of 2 days, starting in the 1st year MBBS and continued longitudinally till the final year. The learning objectives of each module, educational strategies that can be employed, the assessment methods, the implementation and the evaluation of the curriculum are described in this concept paper. Integrating CIS training into the current existing undergraduate medical curriculum has far reaching consequences that can be beneficial not only to the trainee student, but also to the patients, hospitals, institutions and community at large.

Opinion of Indian undergraduate clinical students regarding the five-year BDS curriculum

Background: The Dental Council of India, in 2010, had changed the curriculum from the four years and one-year internship course to a five-year course without internship. Later in 2011, the Dental Council of India gave the liberty to individual universities to decide upon a comprehensive five-year course without internship or a BDS course of four years and one-year internship. Aim: To gauge the overall attitude of students toward revision of the BDS curriculum as well as to determine whether a five-year system or a four years and one-year internship system was more acceptable. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a self-administered pretested questionnaire on 178 dental undergraduate students of the third and fourth years of the A. B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. The questionnaire comprised of sociodemographic details and 10 questions on the perception and opinion of students toward the change in curriculum. The questionnaire was a close-ended questionnaire. The data was entered into the Microsoft Excel for Windows. Descriptive analysis was carried out for the present study and was presented as a number and percentage. Comparison of the mean scores across genders and year of study was done using the unpaired t test. Results: A total of 178 students participated in the survey. All the students felt that internship was vital to the BDS course and 98% of them wanted to revert back to the four and one-year internship system. The third and fourth year dental students were content with the present four and one-year BDS curriculum and were apprehensive about any changes in the present system. Conclusion: Students considered that one year's internship was vital in the BDS course.

A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Based Study to Evaluate Subjective Sleep Quality among Undergraduate Students in India

Irregular sleep patterns are often a major hindrance in the life of undergraduate students, fueled by the undulating lifestyle anomalies and new vulnerabilities that come with college life. Insomnia, slapdash sleep cycles, and daytime dysfunction may affect both physical as well as mental well-being of individuals. India has the largest share of young adults in the world, which also makes it a likely epicenter for increasing sleep disorders. Students are often exposed to a significantly high level of academic burden and turn to options such as pulling all-nighters that further propel these issues. Most students realize the effects of a bad sleep schedule but nonetheless sacrifice it for the promise of better grades ignoring the double-edged sword. This study assesses the association of self-rated subjective sleep quality with habits prevalent among undergraduate students in India and its effect on their academic performance. Based on a modified PSQI questionnaire, the participants’ sleep quality was scored and a large majority of students showed an overall moderately good sleep quality. Insufficient sleep was seen to have an adverse effect on facial appearance, work productivity and enthusiasm for daily chores, among students. Unlike previous reports, the current dataset did not reveal any significant impact of sleep quality on the academic performance of the students. We also analyzed the most prevalent factors that were responsible for disruption of sleep in college goers and probed the major reasons for nighttime phone usage, which revealed social media to be a major contributor. Although the negative impact of sleep deprivation on academic performance has been studied earlier, any differential impact of stream has not been addressed thoroughly. Unlike the common belief of disparity induced due to stream-based academic pressure, our survey analysis showed insignificant contribution of stream leading to differences in sleep quality of students. Although participants’ reported mild disruption in sleep, it was observed across all streams and it did not seem to have an immediate effect on overall sleep quality of undergraduate students.

The Research Teaching Nexus: An Innovation for Strengthening Research in India

There is need to move beyond the conventional teaching formats to leverage the linkage between teaching and research in higher education. The contribution of students to the research output of faculty occurs when the curriculum is designed to include inquiry-based processes, as a substitute of simply focusing on knowledge acquisition processes (Horta et al.2012) Inquiry-based curricula necessitate students to be involved in research activities, minimizing the division of roles between faculty and students, and reinforcing the synergy between teaching and research as part of the same learning process (Griffiths 2004). The integration of students in research-oriented activities helps to link teaching and research activities, that supports in increasing production of research outputs by the faculty (Horta et al.2012). This also supports Brew and Boud’s (1995) argument that teaching and research are integrated when they become two aspects of the same activity (i.e. learning).This article aims to contribute in this direction by sharing an innovative experience with undergraduate students in India that links teaching and research in the existing system in the institutes of higher education. It demonstrates that teaching and research can be leveraged synergistically and contribute to research output with influencing research skills in students as well as faculty. This innovative experiment was based on the idea that learning constitutes the vital link between research and teaching. Learning is used as the key concept linking the activities of teaching and research because these represent learning processes, and also because faculty are expert learners who guide the learning process of beginners, the students (Brew 1999; Elton 2001).

Assessing Anti-Phishing Awareness among Undergraduate Students in India

Fraudulent activities on the Internet, especially phishing, have grown to an unprecedented level. Phishing can result in identity theft, financial losses and can also clog an email server. Although a number of technologies related to counter-measures ranging from SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) to web browser-based warnings have been explored, user awareness remains fundamental against any anti-phishing activity. With the growing unemployment in India, a very large amount of undergraduate students are at a risk of becoming an innocent prey of phishers offering lucrative jobs. This study was conducted to empirically investigate the incidence of undergraduate students becoming victims of phishing attacks in India. We simulated a scenario where students were required to visit a fake website and give details of personal login information. Students irrespective of their computer knowledge visited the phishing website ignoring the information given on the security bar in the web browser.

The Role of the Government in Addressing Social Issues in India: The Perceptions of Indian Undergraduate and Graduate Social Work Students

Using a convenience sample of 318 undergraduate and graduate social work students (193 women and 125 men) from a public university in India, this study examined the differences between Indian social work students' perceptions toward the role of government in addressing social issues in India. Using Predictive Analytics Software (PASW) 18, several statistical procedures were conducted to analyze the relationship between social work students' demographic variables and their perceptions of the government's role in addressing social issues in India. The results indicated that older social work students were more likely to perceive that the government should ensure equal opportunities for citizens. Female social work students were more likely to perceive that the government should ensure housing for citizens. BSW students were more likely to perceive that the government should ensure employment of citizens. Macro social work students were more likely to perceive that the government should ensure equal opportunities, housing, food, employment, and health insurance for citizens. The findings of this study may help social work educational administrators and faculty in India to develop a curriculum that provides social work students with the opportunity to critically examine the complex relationship between age, gender, marital status, number of children, socioeconomic status, educational status, area of concentration, and the role of the government in addressing social issues. Doing so will prepare social work students and professionals to think and engage in a manner that will allow them to challenge and advocate for a change to the status quo.

Relationship Between Procrastination and Academic Performance Among a Group of Undergraduate Dental Students in India

Procrastination, generally defined as a voluntary, irrational delay of behavior, is a prevalent phenomenon among college students throughout the world and occurs at alarmingly high rates. For this study, a survey was conducted of 209 second-, third-, and fourth-year undergraduate dental students of Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, India, to identify the relationship between their level of procrastination and academic performance. A sixteen-item questionnaire was used to assess the level of procrastination among these students. Data related to their academic performance were also collected. Spearman's correlation coefficient test was used to assess the relationship between procrastination and academic performance. It showed a negative correlation of -0.63 with a significance level of p<0.01 (two-tailed test), indicating that students who showed high procrastination scores performed below average in their academics. In addition, analysis with the Mann-Whitney U test found a significant difference in procrastination scores between the two gender groups (p<0.05). Hence, among the Indian undergraduate dental students evaluated in this study, it appeared that individuals with above average and average academic performance had lower scores of procrastination and vice versa.

Motivation levels among traditional and open learning undergraduate students in India

Motivation plays a crucial role in learning. Motivation energizes the behavior of the individual. It also directs the behavior towards specific goals. It helps students acquire knowledge, develop social qualities, increase initiation, persist in activities, improve performance, and develop a sense of discipline. This paper aims to compare the levels of motivation between students in the open education system (OES) and in the traditional education system (TES) in India. The study further investigates the motivation levels of male and female students in the two systems. An Academic Motivation Scale was prepared and administered on the students of TES (&lt;em&gt;n &lt;/em&gt;= 200) and OES (&lt;em&gt;n &lt;/em&gt;= 151). Results show that there exist significant differences in the level of motivation between the students of TES and OES. The study concludes that it is the presence or absence of extrinsic motivation which is predominantly responsible for this difference.&lt;input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /&gt;&lt;input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /&gt;

Perceived sources and coping mechanisms of stress among undergraduate Indian dental students

Context: The dental profession is the most stressful of all the health professions, and this is true for all stages of the dental career, i.e., for established dentists, young dentists and dental students. Aim: To identify the various sources and coping mechanisms of stress as perceived by Indian undergraduate dental students. Settings and Design: Descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire study. Materials and Methods: A modified version of the self-administered dental environment stress (DES) questionnaire was used. The responses were based on a four-point Likert scale (1 = little, 2 = moderate, 3 = considerable and 4 = great). Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive analysis was carried out for the study variables. Results: Examinations, short lunch breaks, relationships, not knowing the local language, competition for sports and cultural activities, counseling rounds, difficulty of getting patients, portion and quota completion were the highest stressors. Having friends, planning and problem solving were the methods adopted by most of the students to cope with stress. Conclusions: The undergraduate dental students in India had high levels of perceived stress. Academic and nonacademic perceived sources of stress should be considered in curriculum planning and in the working environment for dental education.

Indian student concerns about violence: exploring student perceptions

While considerable attention has been given to the spate of attacks on Indian students in Australia in 2009 and 2010, less attention has been paid to how the students who were at the centre of the furore perceived the violence. In this paper we explore the perceptions of Indian postgraduate and undergraduate male students studying in Melbourne, Australia, based on data gathered in focus groups. Analysis revealed four broad themes in students' explanations for the attacks: race hate versus opportunism, intercultural issues, systemic ineffectiveness, and media reporting. Students' perceptions of the reasons for the attacks were divided in some areas and aligned in others. There was divergence among students about whether the attacks were race hate crime or opportunistic, and about intercultural issues. Students' perceptions were aligned on issues of systemic ineffectiveness and media reporting. In the current context of decreased international enrolments from Indian students, in which we seek to better understand them, the findings provide implications for international student policy and planning priorities.

Perception, practices towards research and predictors of research career among UG medical students from coastal South India: A cross-sectional study

Background:The number of physician scientists worldwide is decreasing. A review of literature suggests paucity of information examining perceptions and practices towards research among medical undergraduate students in India. Hence, this study was undertaken.Objectives:To understand (a) the awareness, skills, perceptions and practices among undergraduate (UG) medical students towards research, (b) the factors responsible for willingness to take up research as a career among the undergraduates.Material and Methods:This is a questionnaire-based qualitative study. This study was conducted in Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. A pre-tested questionnaire examining their awareness, perceptions and practices towards research in medical field was used. Consent was obtained from the Dean of the College and student participation was voluntary.Analysis:The information was analyzed using SPSS version 11. Univariate and Multivariate analyses were done to know the willingness to consider research as a career.Results:A total of 471 students responded giving a response rate of 55.41%. Nearly 70% were aware about research though their level of awareness varied. Various skills of conducting research were known to 47% of the students. Most (76%) were part of a research team mainly as a part of the medical curriculum, a few (8.3%) were confident of research as a career option. The multivariate reveals that those with good skill and students who involved in research in addition to curriculum were more likely to take up research as career option/would continue to do research in future.Conclusions:Good training and student support programs exclusively for research would motivate students to opt for research careers.

Learning Approaches and Learning Difficulties: A Comparison of Indian and Nepali Dental Science Students

This study explored the difference in learning approaches and difficulties of Nepali and Indian undergraduate students of dental science. A locally developed inventory was used to measure learning approach and learning difficulties. Data collected from 166 Indians and 69 Nepalis were compared. The scores on various scales of the inventory indicate that Nepalis are more fearful and less confident regarding examination and course completion and have significantly less positive perception about academic capability. Indian students scored significantly higher on motivation, interest, and deep processing. The language problem was significantly greater for Nepali students. Higher percentages of Nepalis experienced various academic and nonacademic problems. The study highlights the need to consider difference in learning approach among the students of health science courses that admit students from different academic, nonacademic, and cultural backgrounds.

Le retour de Dieu : l'introduction de l'enseignement religieux dans l'École de la République laïque du Sénégal

In 1959 and 1960 the author and his team taught at a summer school workshop for native American Indian undergraduate students. The community that was then created, a community which valued and aspired to education, seemed to him a posteriori to be an extraordinary one, and one which moreover gave birth to a whole generation of leading Indian politicians. Presenting his research on education in the Indian reserves which followed, the author considers at once the methods used and the contents studied. He shows the dif&#64257;culties encountered by an &#171;inexperienced&#187; researcher trained at the University of Chicago in the &#64257;fties, brings to light important aspects of the social dynamics of educational systems, and &#64257;nally formulates, through the schooling of the Oglala Sioux, some perspectives from which student behaviour at school should be studied. Thus, by highlighting educational issues in an extreme situation, signi&#64257;cant aspects concerning the con&#64257;guration of schools can be revealed, which otherwise would remain unseen as they are an integral part of social life. If in the past and in most societies, the greatest amount of instruction is carried out in immersion teaching conditions, this work at the grass-roots level on the Indian reserves can be shown as an example of instruction through experience.

Segregation of American Indian Undergraduate Students in Institutions of Higher Education

Segregation of American Indian Undergraduate Students in Institutions of Higher Education

Causal Attributions for Success and Failure as a Function of Sex and Job Status in India

This experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that causal attributions for the success and failure of male and female stimulus persons will vary depending on the job status involved. It was predicted that the success of a male in a high status, typically masculine job (bank manager) would be attributed to internal causes like ability and effort, whereas the success of a female in the same job would be attributed to external causes like luck and the nature of the job. The experiment had a 2 (subject's sex) by 2 (stimulus person's sex) by 2 (stimulus person's job status) by 2 (stimulus person's successs or failure) factorial design. with 336 Indian undergraduate students as subjects who read the relevant biographical information about the stimulus person and made attributions for success or failure to effort. luck. ability and the nature (difficulty or ease) of the job. The results were in general support of the hypothesis, which was derived from the conception of sex-role stereotypes with respect to ...