Self-regulated learning: the effect on medical student learning outcomes in a flipped classroom environment

BMC Med Educ. 2020 Mar 31;20(1):100. doi: 10.1186/s12909-020-02023-6.

Abstract

Background: The flipped-classroom model is increasingly being adopted in competency-based medical education. However, it poses a major challenge to students who have not mastered self-regulated learning strategies. This study explores which self-regulated learning skills affect student learning performance in the first 2 years of medical school at a university in the midwestern United States.

Methods: Survey data were used to assess how 146 first- and second-year medical students' use of self-regulated learning strategies affected their performance on standardized tests.

Results: Based on the results of regression analysis and content analysis, it was found that the use of peer learning and help-seeking positively affected the performance of first- and second-year students, respectively; whereas the use of rehearsal had a negative effect on student learning outcomes.

Conclusions: The study findings imply that during the transition period from traditional lecture-intensive learning to flipped-classroom learning, promoting peer learning and help-seeking could significantly improve students' academic achievement.

Keywords: Flipped classroom; Help-seeking; Peer learning; Self-regulated learning.

MeSH terms

  • Curriculum
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate / methods*
  • Educational Status
  • Help-Seeking Behavior
  • Humans
  • Midwestern United States
  • Models, Educational
  • Peer Group
  • Self-Control*
  • Self-Directed Learning as Topic*
  • Students, Medical / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires