Perspective Of Undergraduate Students Research Articles

Exploring Summer Classes in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study of Lecturer and Student Views

Summer classes have become increasingly prevalent in higher education institutions worldwide, offering students opportunities to accelerate their learning, reduce course loads, and maintain academic momentum. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of lecturers and undergraduate students on the benefits, drawbacks, and strategies for success of summer classes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten students and two lecturers from a university in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The findings reveal that the primary perceived benefits of summer classes include the ability to complete courses more quickly, have a lighter subject load during the regular year, and improve academic performance. However, drawbacks cited were the sacrifice of leisure time or income from part-time work and the added pressure of condensed timelines. Recommended strategies comprise proactive promotion of summer class advantages to increase student awareness, careful selection and compensation of skilled instructors, and incorporation of recreational activities to support student well-being. This study contributes qualitative insights to inform the development of effective, student-centered summer programs in higher education.

Perspectives of Undergraduate Students on the Academic Workload and Suicidal thoughts at Nigerian University

This study examined the impact of academic activities on suicidal thoughts among undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised of 100 students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study selected respondents using a simple random sampling technique. Instrument for data collection was a 20 item structured questionnaire titled Perceived Effects of Academic Activities on Suicidal Thoughts Questionnaire (PEAASTQ). The instrument was validated by three experts from the Faculty of Education in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The instrument's reliability was established using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient that yielded coefficient values of 0.86 from section A, 0.96 from section B, 0.80 from section C, and 0.96 from section D, indicating that the instrument was valid. The data collected for the study were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings from the study showed that the students agreed that excess academic workload can lead to depression, limit someone's social life, and contribute to suicidal thoughts among undergraduate students and that unplanned, d changes in academic workload negatively impact on someone's mental well-being. Based on these findings, the study recommends among others that there should be an extension of academic sessions to allow for a more balanced and manageable workload throughout the semester. These can help prevent burnout and reduce the cumulative stress of a continuous academic schedule.

Satisfaction of lecturers and undergraduate students of medical faculties in Indonesia towards online anatomy learning during COVID-19 pandemic

The changing of education activities (offline into online) to reduce coronavirus transmission during COVID-19 pandemi has influence on the learning strategies, which ultimately might impact the achievement of learning objectives. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study using a valid (p < 0.01; two-tailed Pearson correlation) and reliable (r = 0.878 and r = 0.849; Cronbach Alpha) online questionnaire to evaluate the perspectives of human anatomy lecturers and undergraduate medical students in Indonesia in implementing the online anatomy learning. We also explored their expectations and preferred learning methods after COVID-19 pandemic. Using purposive sampling, 467 respondents, which consisted of 66 lecturers from 41 universities in six islands (Java, Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara and Papua) and 401 students from 19 universities in four islands (Java, Sumatera, Kalimantan, Papua) were recruited. A Chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in categorical variables. The lecturers (74.2%) and students (63.1%) agreed that online learning effectively delivered the course material (p = 0.095). They (69.7% lecturers and 57.9% students) also agreed that learning time allocation was sufficient (p = 0.079); moreover, lecturers (53%) and students (56.1%) had good interaction (p = 0.689). Nevertheless, 56.1% lecturers and 63.3% students had problem during online practical sessions. They had different perspectives about issues during online classes (69.7% vs 36.4%; p < 0.01), motivation improvement (72.7% vs 37.4%; p < 0.01), and time management (87.9% vs 58.4%; p < 0.01). According to the location of the university, especially in the student's side, students in Java had higher proportion in the two aspects, i.e. learning material (p < 0.01) and lecturer-student interaction (p < 0.01), and had lower proportion in the problems during online class (p = 0.003) and practical sessions (p = 0.008). Majority of the respondents (62,2% lecturers in Java, 71.4% lecturers outside Java, 79.6% Students in Java, and 76.6% students outside Java) preferred the use of blended learning after the pandemic (new normal era) and expected to continue the cadaveric practical sessions (82.2% lecturers in Java, 81.0% lecturers outside Java, 91.1% students in Java, and 78.3% students outside Java). In conclusion, the study showed that the satisfaction toward online anatomy learning related to the subject’s role (lecturer or student) and the university region in some aspects.

Perspectives of undergraduate medical students regarding competency-based curriculum.

Background The competency-based undergraduate medical curriculum has a number of new elements. Few authors have attempted to understand the students' viewpoints on the curriculum. We assessed undergraduate students perspectives and ratings about various elements after 2 years of implementation of the curriculum. Methods We included 240 students (2019 and 2020 admission). An invitation letter-cum-information sheet was sent to all the students by email informing them about the study, keeping their identity confidential and the implied consent. A validated questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale including 35 closed-ended questions eliciting the students' perception on various elements of the new curriculum and a rating scale from 1 to 5 was designed. Data collection was done using Google forms. Results Of the 240 respondents, 192 (80%) had positive perceptions for the Foundation Course, Attitude, Ethics and Communication skills, Early Clinical Exposure and Community Health Visits. Integrated Teaching, Small Group Teaching and Assessments were viewed less positively (62.9%-75%) and Self-directed Learning received the lowest positive responses (57%-58%). For training as a doctor, the elements considered most valuable were Early Clinical Exposure (70.4%) and Community Health Visits (70.4%) while the least were Logbooks (35.5%) and Reflections (34.2%). Conclusions Students found Early Clinical Exposure and Community Health Visits the most valuable elements whereas Self-directed Learning, Logbooks and Reflections were rated as the least useful.

Perspectives on policing education and careers: insights from undergraduate students of China’s police academies

This study delves into the perspectives of Chinese police academy undergraduate students concerning their education and career paths within police academies. Employing a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with undergraduate students from a leading police academy in China. The focus of the interviews centered on unraveling the cognitive transitions experienced by undergraduate students during their academy tenure, encompassing their perceptions of the police community and adherence to rigorous police discipline. The analysis revealed a profound transformation in undergraduate students, evolving from high-school graduates into aspiring law enforcement officers, manifesting in both behavioral and psychological dimensions. Undergraduate students developed a strong sense of identity with the police community and embraced the principles of police discipline, aligning themselves closely with these foundational concepts. Notably, robust collectivism was observed among undergraduate students. While showcasing a high level of enthusiasm for academic pursuits, concerns regarding potential challenges in their future policing roles were also articulated. This exploration establishes connections with the Social Cognitive Career Theory, shedding light on the dynamic cognitive processes and identity development experienced by police academy undergraduate students as they navigate their educational and career trajectories.

A needs analysis of ESP courses in colleges of art and design: Consensus and divergence.

This study presents a comprehensive needs analysis of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses in colleges of art and design in China. By examining the perspectives of undergraduate students, graduate students, art teachers, and English teachers, the research identifies consensus and divergence in ESP needs and implementation challenges. The analysis reveals a strong demand among students for specialized English learning, with a particular emphasis on receptive and interactive skills. However, there is a widespread acknowledgement of students' difficulties across ESP skills, indicating a gap between student competencies and the professional demands, thus highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions to effectively address the difficulties. Notably, reading and writing abilities emerge as the most lacking skills. While there is unanimous recognition of the positive impact of ESP on students' professional abilities and international competitiveness, a significant disparity exists in the enthusiasm for implementing ESP courses, paticularly with resistence from English teachers. The study highlights the critical challenges in ESP teaching, with teacher qualifications identified as the most prominent issue. Interestingly, English teachers attribute difficulties primarily to teaching materials, indicating a potential lack of readiness for ESP course delivery. A gap is also observed between teachers' evaluations of student abilities and students' self-assessment, especially among undergraduate freshmen, suggesting an overestimation of their English proficiency in professional contexts. The paper concludes with the implication that for effective ESP course implementation in colleges of art and design in China, targeted faculty development programs and a collaborative approach involving English teachers, art teachers, and professionals are essential. The collaboration should aim to develop materials that integrate specific professional knowledge with linguistic expertise. Additionally, a balanced approach combining general English proficiency and specialized English training is recommended to address both foundational and specialized language skills. Overall, the study underscores the need for targeted ESP courses in art and design education, tailored to bridge the gap between current proficiency levels and professional language requirements.

Perspectives of medical undergraduate students toward self-directed learning

Objectives: Self-directed learning (SDL) is a process in which individuals take the initiative with or without the help of others in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating goals, identifying human as well as material resources for learning, implementing appropriate strategies and evaluating learning outcomes. In SDL, the onus of learning is on the learner and learning control is slowly transferred from facilitator to learner. Hence, this study helped to understand the SDL readiness in undergraduate medical students and figure out whether it differed between students of 2nd and 3rd professional years. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on undergraduate medical students of 2nd and 3rd professional year of tertiary care medical college hospital in south India after receiving permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee. A total of 285 students were considered in this study from both years after informed consent. A pre-validated questionnaire of the self-rating scale for SDL (SRSSDL) tool was included, and it comprised five components, namely, awareness, learning strategy, learning activity, evaluation and interpersonal skills, with 12 questions in individual sections. Demographic data were expressed in percentages while the Chi-square test and independent sample Mann–Whitney U-test were applied to understand the differences between 2 professional years. Results: Out of 285 students, 56.8% had a moderate level of readiness, followed by a high level of readiness (42.9%). The majority of the students from both academic years had a moderate level of readiness toward SDL. Learning strategy had the highest mean response score of 3.7 ± 0.52, followed by awareness with 3.69 ± 0.49. This mean score reflects that the majority of participants’ responses recorded were either ‘sometimes’ or ‘often’ for various components of the SRSSDL tool. The distribution of awareness, learning strategy, learning activities, evaluation and interpersonal skills did not show any significant association across academic years and gender. Conclusion: The moderate level of readiness shows that areas of improvement must be identified and evaluated with teacher guidance when necessary. The SRSSDL tool can be used as a measure of evaluation, as it helps to classify student readiness toward SDL.

Exploring Feedback Mechanics during Experiential Learning in Pharmacy Education: A Scoping Review.

(1) Background: This scoping review aims to explore the literature on feedback for pharmacy students during experiential learning, with a focus on identifying the modes of delivery of feedback and the perceived impact of feedback on student learning outcomes. (2) Methods: The scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, ERIC, and ProQuest Central were searched electronically from their inception until the end of February 2023 using a combination of keywords and MeSH terms related to feedback, pharmacy education, and student learning outcomes. Data were synthesized narratively. (3) Results: This review included 13 studies published between 2008 and 2022. Almost half of the included studies were conducted in the USA (n = 6, 46%) and reported the perspective of undergraduate pharmacy students (n = 6, 46%). Verbal feedback was the most common mode of feedback delivery (n = 6, 46%). The enablers of effective feedback included timely feedback (n = 6, 46%), feedback provided in a goal-oriented and objective manner (n = 5, 40%), and student-specific feedback (n = 4, 30%). On the other hand, the most common impediments to feedback efficacy were providing extremely positive feedback and lack of constructive criticism. (4) Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of feedback model implementation in pharmacy education and preceptor training programs to ensure effective and quality feedback to pharmacy students.

Marriage and motherhood: Insights on a crucial life course process from the perspective of female arab-palestinian undergraduate students

Despite changes in women's status in recent decades in Arab-Palestinian society in Israel, marriage and motherhood still play a central role. Moreover, although the increase in the integration rates of young Arab-Palestinian women into the higher education system, as girls belonging to a minority group with traditional structures, they are expected to prioritize family and community expectations over personal aspirations. This study focuses on art projects of female Arab-Palestinian college students in Israel, which serve as a prism for detecting cultural perceptions of pathways to entering adulthood among this population today. These topics are central themes in the projects in question. Working on these projects forced the students to profoundly contemplate their life stage - being engaged or newly married and young mothers. The aim of the study was to decode the artworks in order to explore the students’ feelings and thoughts on a topic rarely considered through the eyes of the young women themselves. The study provides a nuanced examination of the social processes that young educated Arab-Palestinian women experience in the current family structure. By analysing the projects using visual tools from semiotics and art history, along with verbal texts provided by the students, we assert that these projects serve as a crucial avenue for students’ self-expression regarding topics seldom addressed. Even though the projects cannot be understood as critical of traditional gender expectations, we did find some interesting voices of unease regarding them. The move from their parents' home to their new one is widely described as difficult, where sadness and concern about the future are highly noticeable. In addition to accepting the stages of marriage and motherhood with joy and excitement, they also express fear and hesitation. This tension between fulfilling their expected roles and being unsure and hesitant about them exists in the projects. We claim that even if implicit and careful, these signs are important to recognize. However, it seems that higher education has failed to significantly undermine patriarchal and gender expectations.

Deciphering Medicolegal Autopsy from the Perspective of Undergraduate Students in a Medical University in Karnataka

Background: Autopsy or postmortem examination is an important aspect of medicolegal investigation and an integral part of medical education. It is of paramount importance in ascertaining the cause of death, time since death, manner of death, collection of evidence and also in establishing a positive identification in case of unclaimed dead bodies. As part of medical curriculum, medical students are required to witness as well as perform a certain number of autopsies. Methods: To understand autopsy from the perspective of medical undergraduate students, a questionnaire was prepared which contained questions to assess knowledge and to understand attitudes of students towards autopsy. Conclusion: Almost all students opined that autopsies are an essential part of medical education. Most students opined that autopsy helped them in understanding basic anatomy of the human body as well as common pathological conditions. Few students expressed discomfort towards watching an autopsy. A good number of students showed interest in encouraging kin of the deceased to donate cornea. In conclusion, autopsy holds the potential in shaping students to competently opine about the cause of death, engage in research as well as to send a social message in the form of donating eyes after death.

IJCM_395A: Exploring medical student’s perspective on Competency based medical education (CBME) curriculum at Government Medical College in Maharashtra.

Background: Competency based medical education (CBME) is implemented recently in India. The study was conducted to evaluate the perspectives of undergraduate medical students towards CBME curriculum at a Government Medical College in Maharashtra. CBME is helpful in expanding the dimensions besides basic medical knowledge to the core competencies of a high-grade skilled clinical graduate. Moreover, value addition with other competencies such as empathy, professionalism, altruism, communication skills, ethics, and humanities that focuses on health systems as a National goal ‘Health for All’. Objective: To explore medical student’s perspective on Competency based medical education (CBME) curriculum at Government Medical College in Maharashtra. Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among undergraduate medical students at Dr. SCGMC, Nanded. A validated questionnaire was administered through Google link among medical students. Results: A total of 225 students has participated. Around 130 (58%) students are from first year and 96(43.2%) students opined that learning AETCOM skills are necessary and around 125(55.8%) students opined that there should be sometime for sports activities during week days also and 107(48.2%) students stated that early clinical exposure in the first year is beneficial. Conclusion: The CBME curriculum focuses on learning the competencies needed in clinical practice and provides standards and framework for measuring performance. The thrust of the new curriculum attempts to make medical education in India more outcomes oriented.

What psychosocial support do first year university students need? A mixed creative methods study

Higher education students need help and support to enable them to cope with the challenges of their studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the perspectives of first-year undergraduate students on predictors of psychosocial support in challenging situations. A creative art-based descriptive research design was employed utilising an individual One-Page Profile form to gather data from 240 first-year students from two different universities in Slovakia. Data was collected and analysed using a content-thematic and visual approach. Four significant individual predictors of psychosocial support were identified: emotional, instrumental, informational and appraisal. Emotional support consists of desirable mental health, defined by the students as experiencing happiness, self-satisfaction, self-development, relationships which are satisfying, loving and safe, trust, empathic acceptance, and care from others. Instrumental support varies from personnel up to material resources e.g., people, animals, and assistance such as financial services. The preferred informational support is peer-to-peer counselling, followed by professional counselling. When students describe appraisal support their needs are primarily in the areas of well-being and self-efficacy. The study makes various suggestions on how University staff can provide first-year students with support and counselling in their everyday challenges.

STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES OF QUALITY EDUCATION AT A SELECTED SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITY

This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of undergraduate students in the TME (Technology and Mathematics Education) department within the Faculty of Education at a South African higher education institution regarding the quality of education they receive. Quality education is vital for equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for their academic and professional growth. The research was framed by the Octet of Quality Theoretical Framework in Higher Education developed by Zaki and Rashidi. A qualitative case study approach was employed on ten Technology and Mathematics Education (TME) students to gather rich and in-depth data that would offer profound insights into the experiences of the students. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews, and the interview responses were subjected to thematic content analysis. The primary findings of the study revealed several challenges, including limited access to resources as well as student support and involvement in curriculum. These challenges can hinder the attainment of quality education. In conclusion, it is evident that both students and academics require support to ensure the delivery of quality education. To bridge the gap in achieving quality education, this paper suggests that students' perspectives on quality education are multifaceted and necessitate focused attention from higher education institutions. By addressing these multifaceted concerns, institutions can take substantial steps toward enhancing the overall quality of education for their students.

Is there equal employment opportunity in tourism? An evaluation of African students' perceptions of future careers

PurposePrior to the COVID-19 pandemic, African students studying tourism and hospitality internationally had diverse experiences in their professional endeavours. This study seeks to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the career progression and perspectives of African undergraduate students specialising in higher education in the fields of tourism and hospitality.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilised qualitative content analysis, which involves subjectively interpreting text data by systematically categorising and coding it to identify themes or patterns.FindingsThe findings deviate from how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the career advancement of African international students studying tourism and hospitality in North Cyprus. Consequently, most developing nations face an increased need for security measures. Tourists will pay higher prices to visit highly secure areas rather than risking their lives. This is one of the reasons why many students from developing nations choose to pursue their careers in developed countries.Practical implicationsIt is imperative for the governments of developing nations to make substantial financial contributions to the development of their respective tourism sectors. Augmented investment has the potential to allure international tourists, thereby generating employment prospects for the host economies. The lack of investment forces young individuals to pursue their education overseas. Furthermore, it is imperative for developing nations to enhance their security infrastructure.Social implicationsOur findings suggest that policymakers should establish a diverse management team that includes student employees to develop suitable strategies for industry management. Insufficient student inclusivity can result in a lack of dedication, whereas involving them in management strategies can contribute to the industry’s prosperity.Originality/valueThe findings obtained from this research can stimulate the formulation of strategies within the tourism industry to tackle the intersection of career obstacles.

Environmental sustainability: the attitudes and experiences of UK students in the oral health care profession.

Objective This study aims to provide insight into the attitudes and perspectives of undergraduate dental students from UK dental schools regarding environmental sustainability in dentistry (ESD) and the manner and extent in which ESD is included in the current undergraduate oral health care curricula.Methods This study is a multi-centre, nationally representive study involving a cross-sectional online survey of undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Surgery and dental hygiene and therapy students in UK-based dental schools. Data analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.Results In total, 263 students from 13 UK schools completed the survey, resulting in a national school response rate of 68.4%. Key findings are: 97.3% of students believe that the dental profession should be more actively engaged in environmental sustainability but students currently have very little exposure to ESD at an undergraduate level; and 76.8% of students expressed that they are concerned about the impact that oral health care provision has on the environment, but only 23% of students have independently researched ESD.Conclusions Students identify that oral health care professionals should become more engaged in efforts to mitigate the negative impacts from our activities on the environment, principally via education at all levels. The data from this study provide insight into the current level of awareness and concerns for the environmental impacts of oral health care provision, and are a powerful driver for the inclusion of ESD into the undergraduate curriculum in UK based dental schools.

Evaluation of the Quality of Academic Programs from the Perspective of Students in the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University

Objectives: This study assesses the quality of academic programs in the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University from the students' perspective. It examines variations in perceived program quality among the college's scientific departments.&#x0D; Methods: The study employs a descriptive survey approach, utilizing a questionnaire with 48 items across five dimensions to gauge the quality of academic program performance from the perspective of first-stage undergraduate students. A five-point Likert scale measures students' attitudes. The study population comprises all first-stage undergraduate students with a minimum of 75 credited hours across various programs, totaling 761 students for the spring semester of 2020. It consists of 336 students.&#x0D; Results: The overall evaluation of the quality of academic programs in the college, from the students' perspective, was rated as "moderate." It revealed that the quality levels of academic programs in the departments of Media, Arabic Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, and Geography were higher than the remaining departments: History, Information Studies, Tourism, Music, and Musicology. It identified significant differences in response means across all dimensions of academic program quality based on scientific department. No statistically significant differences were found in student responses across quality dimensions when considering the variable of gender.&#x0D; Conclusions: The study suggests implementing targeted programs in scientific departments to maximize the advantages of academic accreditation and improve academic program quality. It also recommends creating effective monitoring programs to address feedback from accreditation bodies and international evaluators, focusing on identifying strengths, weaknesses, and optimal methods for enhancement.

MEDICAL STUDENTS PERSPECTIVE ON THE TEACHINGPROCESS OF RADIOLOGY DURING AND AFTER THECOVID-19 PANDEMIC

Background: Over the last few years, radiology teaching and training have transformed from traditional lectures to early team-based clinical learning and case-based teaching. Objectives: To assess the perspective of undergraduate medical students regarding radiology teaching during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)pandemic. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students from third year to interns enrolled in Taif University for the academic year 2023-2024. An online, self-administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection. It contains 20 questions divided into three sections: I) general information and students demographic data (4 questions) II) questions related to the students teaching-learning experiences after the COVID-19 pandemic period (8 questions) and III) questions related to the students teaching-learning experiences in the COVID-19 pandemic period (8 questions). Results: A total of 204 students were included in the study. They were equally distributed according to their gender and almost equally distributed according to their academic year. The majority (86.3%) of them used tablets as the primary device for e-learning during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant improvements were observed in the perspective of the participants regarding the quality of on-site radiology teaching (p&lt;0.001), their performance in on-site radiologyteaching (p=0.007), and thoughts related to radiology teaching via e-learning (p=0.023) after the COVID-19 pandemic compared to it during the pandemic. Conclusion:Medical students generally view radiology education positively after the pandemic. However, improvements in the structures and assessments of both online and onsite radiology teaching are needed. Interestingly, female students found e-learning and assessments more valuable, while older students appreciated the overall structure more.

A Qualitative Study of the Dropout Risk Factors in Open and Distance Learning (ODL)

A Qualitative Study of the Dropout Risk Factors in Open and Distance Learning (ODL)

The professionalism of clinical teachers in clinical education.

Professionalism has long been recognised as a core competency for clinical teachers as role models and educators. The present study aimed to evaluate the adherence to professionalism of clinical teachers from the perspectives of resident doctors and undergraduate medical students. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. All learners, including undergraduate medical students and residents who were studying in the medical school and teaching hospitals affiliated with Shahid Sadoughi University, were entered into this study as evaluators (n = 311). Of these, 151 clinical teachers were assessed by the learners. The students were asked to assess the two clinical teachers with whom they had interacted during the previous month in the clinical department. The Faculty Professionalism Evaluation Questionnaire was used in this study. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the adequacy of the model. The total mean score was 1.98 (standard deviation=0.36, range = 0.96 to 2.82). In addition, the total mean score of the adherence to professionalism among clinical teachers was reported at the level of "met expectations". The results showed that the teachers' scores in the domains of "doctor-patient relationship" and "doctor-student relationship" were reported under the "met expectations" level. Their scores in the "inter-professional relationship" and "doctor-self relationship" domains were reported as "below expectations". The results showed the scores of teachers' professionalism were significantly lower from the viewpoints of residents than in the perceptions of medical students (p=0.0001). The professionalism scores of clinical teachers were evaluated as "below expectations" from the learners' perspectives.

‘… They're talking to you as if they're kind of dumbing it down’: A thematic analysis of Black students' perceived reasons for the university awarding gap

AbstractIt is widely acknowledged that there is an awarding gap in higher education, with proportionally more White students achieving a good honours degree compared to their minoritized ethnic counterparts. Furthermore, the gap is largest between Black and White students, hence necessitating initiatives to understand the perspectives of Black students on perceived reasons for the awarding gap. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the perspectives of Black undergraduate Psychology students through the use of qualitative methodology. Sixteen participants took part in two focus groups, which were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. Self‐determination theory provided a framework for contextualising the findings. Three main themes emerged, with participants describing being exposed to signals of unbelonging such as negative racial stereotypes and microaggressions. Within this theme, they discussed their responses to these signals of unbelonging, such as conforming to perceived White norms in an effort to belong and feel ‘normal’. Participants also highlighted the role played by parental influence and relationships on their academic experience. They also discussed experiences with university tutors that were deemed unfavourable. Together, the racialised experiences identified threatened the fulfilment of their needs for competence, autonomy and relatedness. It is thus imperative that higher education institutions actively engage their Black and minoritized ethnic students in order to understand their experiences and foster a sense of belonging at university. Furthermore, the findings regarding parental influence provide an opportunity for structural redress through widening participation efforts and adequate pastoral support.