Exploration of Arak Medical Students’ Experiences on Effective Factors in Active Learning: A Qualitative Research

Abstract

Introduction:: Medical students should use active learning to improve their daily duties and medical services. The goal of this study is exploring medical students’ experiences on effective factors in active learning. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted through content Analysis method in Arak University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected via interviews. The study started with purposeful sampling and continued by theoretical sampling. Totally 20 medical students were interviewed within 2 months. Data were analyzed via constant comparative analyzing method. Results: Three main themes were identified: individual differences, educational and environmental conditions emerged. Proper educational planning, teaching quality, emotional and psychological stimuli, beliefs, individual abilities, learning skills, relatives’ support, financial support and appropriate environment were considered as effective factors or subthemes in active learning experience of participants. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that active learning does depend not only on individual abilities, but also dependents on educational and environmental conditions.

Keywords

• active learning
• content analysis
• students
• medical