Students’ self-directed learning readiness, perception toward student-centered learning and predisposition towards student-centered behaviour

Background: Sultan Agung Islamic Medical School implements a student-centered learning strategy for all its learning activities, as a consequence of applying a student-centered, problem-based, integrated, community-based, early clinical exposure/elective, and systematic (SPICES) approach since the year 2005. As student-centered learning is a new culture for most students, a study was conducted to explore factors which may influence student-centered behaviour.

 

Method: Study population consisted of 205 students from the 2005 and 2006 academic years. Students’ perception toward student-centered learning and reported behaviour were identified using questionnaires which was based on the Principles of Adult Learning questionnaire. Self-directed learning readiness scores were calculated. Relative Risks (RR) were calculated using Cox regression analysis in order to identify the factors predisposing towards student-centered behaviour.

 

Results: The results indicate that 123 (60%) subjects practise student-centered behaviour. The students’ self-directed learning readiness score (RR adjusted (RRa)=1.76, CI=1.39–2.22), positive perception toward student-centered learning (RRa=1.51, CI=1.26–1.82) together with students’ area of residence (RRa=5.96, CI=1.75–2.22) are dominant factors which influence the student-centered behaviour. Gender, age and year of entry do not seem to affect the student-centered behaviour.

 

Conclusion: In order to improve the practice of student-centered behaviour, self-directed learning readiness and a positive perception toward student-centered learning should encouraged. Students from outside Java Island should be given major attention and guidance to go through student-centered learning atmosphere.