SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
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Item Restricted Evaluation of Self-Directed Learning Activities at King Abdulaziz University: A Qualitative Study of Faculty Perceptions(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-04-03) Balkheyour, Ammar Adnan; Tombs, MichalBackground: Self-directed learning (SDL) is an essential method for lifelong learning and professional development, especially in the medical field. SDL has been incorporated into the internal medicine curriculum at the Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Aims: The study aimed to determine the faculty perceptions of the effectiveness of the SDL activities currently offered at the Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. This was an evaluative study structured around Stufflebeam’s model of evaluation regarding input and process components. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews. The sample type was non-probability convenience. Seven faculty members from the target academic department were included in the study. The interviews were transcribed, and their content was analysed using the thematic analysis method. Results: Thematic analysis led to the generation of four themes: faculty’s perceptions of SDL, curriculum design, student engagement, and learning environment. Conclusions: During input evaluation, the faculty perceived SDL activities as a reading task for the students that was required for discussion. Faculty support and training in conducting such activities were needed. Faculty had different opinions about the objectives and content of SDL sessions; however, they agreed that SDL sessions aligned with internal medicine objectives and addressed the students’ need. There was a lack of assessment tools for learning in SDL sessions. During process evaluation, all participants were dissatisfied with the students’ poor engagement, and they made suggestions to improve SDL. Challenges in the learning environment were reported, including issues in the scheduling of the academic activities and library access. Based on the results, recommendations were made for educational strategies and future research.35 0