Student Learning Approaches in A Ghanaian Medical School

Abstract

Despite admitting the best of qualified applicants, the approaches of these students to learning in Ghanaian medical schools has not been sufficiently examined. We sought to examine medical students' approach to learning, the factors influencing their choice of learning approach, and their motivations to continue in a particular approach. An interpretive qualitative study was undertaken using a purposive sample of 10 medical students in their clinical years of training at the School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (SMS-KNUST). Separate semi-structured interviews were conducted for the participants followed by thematic analysis of the data. Students were found to pursue understanding and recall capability when learning. Participants also portrayed considerable preoccupation with examination demands and performance, which we termed the "assessment complex". Some underlined the almost indispensable role of memorisation in their study of medicine. It is our observation that when faced with the decision on an approach to learning, students of SMS-KNUST would settle for "what works best" for them under the given circumstances. Student obsession with test results sometimes influenced the adoption of surface learning.

Analysis Of 10th Grade High School Students’ Learning Approaches in the Context of EFL Online Learning

“…According to Marton and Saljo (1976) who introduced the theory, claims there are two types of approaches namely deep approach and surface approach. Supported by present studies, SAL is one of the elements in the learning process that affect students" academic outcome in the 21 st century (Mensah, Argyriadis, and Arkoh 2019;Puteh et al 2018;Smarandache et al 2020). The types of SAL are determined by many factors such as the context of learning, learning orientation, and students" characters.…”

“…SAL as one of the factors that affect students achievement (Mensah et al 2019) also acts as an evaluation of the the process of learning (Biggs et al 2001). Summarizing previous results of studies, there are two factors that plays an important role in the adoption of SAL.…”

“…Summarizing previous results of studies, there are two factors that plays an important role in the adoption of SAL. The first is the intrinsic factor such as personal motivation and interest with the subject (Mensah et al 2019). The second is the external factors such as teachers" teaching style and learning environment (Yin, González, and Huang 2018).…”

“…Previous studies of SAL mostly conducted in the higher education level (Chong Teoh 2015; Mensah et al 2019;Santosa et al 2021;Shaik et al 2017). There few studies that identify SAL in the high school level.…”

Students' Approaches to Learning the New B. Ed. Programme in Ghana: Evidence from Colleges of Education within Mampong Municipality

“…This kind of in-depth analysis of the subject matter by students is a clear manifestation of their deep passion and burning desire to obtain knowledge to solve personal and societal problems. With DLA, performance in assessments is considered a secondary matter (Mensah et al, 2019;Nieminen et al, 2019;Peng et al, 2019;Owusu et al, 2019;University of Oxford, 2017;Mosca et al, 2015;Byrne et al, 2010;Biggs et al, 2001;Biggs & Tang, 2007;Ramsden et al, 1997Ramsden et al, , 2003Ramsden et al, , 2008Entwistle, 2000Entwistle, , 2003. Student Approach to Learning (SAL) plays a key role; therefore, teaching should be seen as the process of providing guidance and direction to learners.…”