The Relationship Between Reflectivity and Self-Regulated Learning in MA Medical Education Students of Shiraz University in 2018 and 2019

Med Sci Educ. 2022 Sep 8;32(5):1065-1072. doi: 10.1007/s40670-022-01615-9. eCollection 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Introduction: Reflectivity is one of the fundamental methods of education. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between reflectivity and self-regulated learning in MA medical education students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2018 and 2019.

Methods: In this descriptive study, 34 full time and virtual MA students of medical education participated, using census method. Data were collected through the Pintrich and DeGroot self-regulated learning and the Kember et al.'s reflectivity questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis, through SPSS.

Results: The results showed that self-regulatory learning strategies in subjects with good reflectivity were significantly higher than those with poor reflectivity; also, the scores of cognitive strategies and motivational beliefs were significantly higher in the participants with good reflectivity. There was no significant relationship between reflectivity and subscales of self-regulated learning strategies and also between reflectivity and self-regulated learning strategies in the full time and virtual courses.

Conclusion: It was found that there was a positive and meaningful relationship between reflectivity and self-regulated learning. Therefore, it is recommended that the managers and professors in medical universities should provide training programs in this field in order for the students to benefit from the advantages of reflectivity and self-regulated learning.

Keywords: MA students; Medical education; Reflectivity; Self-regulated learning.