Open AccessOptimizing the Use of an Online Self-assessment Exam to Promote Self-directed Learning Behaviors in Medical Students
Author(s) -
Pritha Ghosh,
Jeffrey T. Jacob,
Ellen F. Goldman,
Nisha Manikoth
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
medical science educator
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 13
ISSN - 2156-8650
DOI - 10.1007/s40670-019-00883-2
Subject(s) - autodidacticism , medical education , curriculum , autonomy , perception , psychology , computer science , medicine , pedagogy , neuroscience , political science , law
Online self-assessment exams (SAEs) can be used to encourage self-directed learning (SDL) in medical education, but their effectiveness depends on how they are incorporated into the curriculum. In this pilot, we applied adult learning principles to the curricular design for implementing an online SAE in the neurology clerkship. We examined student perceptions of the efficacy in promoting SDL behaviors by analyzing survey responses from 76 medical students in the clerkship. Factors in the design and implementation of the SAE that promoted SDL behaviors included fostering autonomy, promoting paced study, broadening content exposure, encouraging self-reflection, and providing content with perceived value.