The students' voice: Strengths and weaknesses of an undergraduate medical curriculum in a developing country, a qualitative study
2011

Evaluating an Undergraduate Medical Curriculum in Sri Lanka

Sample size: 153 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ranasinghe Priyanga, Wickramasinghe Sashimali A, Wickramasinghe Ruwan, Olupeliyawa Asela, Karunathilaka Indika

Primary Institution: Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Hypothesis

How can student feedback be used to evaluate and improve a medical curriculum?

Conclusion

The study provides insights into students' perceptions of the medical curriculum and highlights areas needing improvement.

Supporting Evidence

  • Students highlighted 68 strengths and 135 weaknesses of the curriculum.
  • The response rate for the questionnaire was 82%.
  • Qualitative feedback provided insights into students' attitudes and perceptions.
  • Focus group discussions allowed for a deeper understanding of student experiences.
  • Students expressed dissatisfaction with the lengthy duration of the curriculum.

Takeaway

Students shared what they liked and didn't like about their medical school program, helping teachers understand how to make it better.

Methodology

Qualitative research using questionnaires and focus group discussions to gather student feedback.

Potential Biases

Interviewer bias may have influenced student responses.

Limitations

Potential bias due to the involvement of faculty members in focus group discussions.

Participant Demographics

{"gender":{"male":82,"female":71},"ethnicity":{"Sinhalese":136,"Tamil":9,"Muslim":8},"final_MBBS_result":{"repeat":16,"simple_pass":83,"second_class_lower":40,"second_class_upper":12,"first_class":2}}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-0500-4-256

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