A learning development module to support academically unsuccessful 1st-year medical students

Abstract

Background. Students who fail the first semester in an undergraduate medical programme at the University of the Free State may join a Learning Development Programme (LDP) in the second semester. A new generic skills module, Lifelong Learning Skills (LLLS), was added to the curriculum in 2013.

Objective. To ascertain whether the LLLS module helped to improve the generic learning skills of LDP students.

Methods. Student reflections and a self-administered questionnaire with open-ended questions were used to obtain feedback.

Results. Students believed that the LLLS module enhanced their generic skills, and that it was beneficial to them. Aspects such as motivation, time management and critical thinking improved. Furthermore, they indicated that the skills mastered during the module continued to be useful in the subsequent academic year.

Conclusion. The students’ reflections made a valuable contribution to understanding ways in which they can be supported. Through student insights, future presentation of the LLLS module can be enhanced.