Learning Environment Of Basic Medical Sciences In Private (Integrated) Versus Public (Traditional Curriculum) Medical Schools In Lahore, Pakistan.

Jaleel A, Afzal K, Namoos K, Barkat H, Afzal A and Siddiqui A

Published on: 2021-09-22

Abstract

Introduction: Educational environment (EE) of any academic institute plays a pivotal role in the academic growth of a medical student and has substantial consequences on the effectiveness of curriculum and on the competency and ultimate success of an individual. The objective of the study was to compare the learning environment in Basic Health Sciences i.e. first and second year MBBS students of private and public medical colleges in Lahore, Pakistan using DREEM’S Questionnaire.

Material and Methods: One hundred and forty six students of first and second year MBBS from private and public medical schools of Lahore, Pakistan were given DREEM’S questionnaire through google.doc

Results: Out of 146 students that participated in the study, 84 (51.21%) belonged to private medical college while 62 (42.46%) belonged to public medical college. The learning environment in both medical colleges private and public colleges is perceived as more positive than negative according to DREEM’S questionnaire.

Conclusion: Student perceptions were comparable in both private and public sector medical schools in Lahore, Pakistan. But a more significant perception was obtained from private sector medical students regarding students’ perception of learning (SPL), students’ perception of teachers (SPT) and students’ academic self-perception (SASP). However, students’ perception of atmosphere (SPA) and student social self-perception (SSP) were non-significant between both groups.

Recommendations: Based on findings of the study public sector medical schools may focus on students’ perception of learning (SPL), students’ perception of teachers (SPT) and students’ academic self-perception (SASP) to improve the learning environment for medical students