Evaluation of midwifery students’ learning approaches to the compulsory biochemistry course
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Objectives: Learning approach in a certain learning pro- cess is based on the student’s intentions, behaviors, and habits according to his/her perceptions of the task of learning and determines the amount and quality of learning. The objective of this study is to evaluate the learning approaches of 1st and 4th grade midwifery stu- dents to biochemistry course and the change, if there is any, through their education. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study. The research population consisted of the voluntary stu- dents (86.47%, n:147) of the 2017–2018 season of the 1st and 4th class of Manisa Celal Bayar University, Health Science Faculty, Midwifery Department (n:170). Data were collected by using the “Introductory Information Form” and the “Learning Approach Scale”, and evaluated in the SPSS package program by performing number, percentile, mean, standard deviation, independent t test. Results: The mean age of the students was 20.82 ± 1.81. Over 95% of the students stated that biochemistry lesson was necessary, while 59.9% reported that their biochem- istry knowledge was insufficient. Over 87% of the student expressed their belief that the content of the biochemistry classes will help them in their professional career. Mean score of deep approach for Learning Approach Scale was 34.13 ± 6.07 (Min:19.00–Max:50.00), and mean score of superficial approach for Learning Approach Scale was 26.94 ± 6.37 (Min:15.00–Max:50.00). There was a signifi- cant relation between deep approach scale score and the perception of high importance of biochemistry in the pro- fessional life (p<0.05). Conclusions: Midwifery students, who believe that biochemistry is necessary for their professional career have a higher motivation for learning biochemistry, thus perform a deeper approach to learning. In general, creating effective and dynamic educational environments that support deep learning is necessary for enhancing the learning of biochemistry.