Changing approach to undergraduate studies documented during annual appraisal of medical students.
BACKGROUND
Transition from school to university life involves maturation changes in areas of academic and personal life.


METHODS
Evaluation of factors involved was studied though analysis of appraisal interview outcomes during the first two years, which documented achievements and goal setting in 511 medical students (98% of two student-year cohorts). Qualitative analysis identified key issues in study skills, aspects of personal lives and differences in approach to university life.


RESULTS
Study goals were identified in 71% of first-year students. New study skills goals were set by over one-third of students in year 2, including goals for change in both learning techniques and assessment preparation. Organizational skills deficiencies were identified in 24.5% of first years, and as a new issue in an additional 16% of second years. Personal difficulties had little impact on resolution of study skills goals, whilst imbalances in study-leisure activities and organizational skills were significant. Motivation and consideration of career choice remained unresolved in 4.5% of second-year students. Some 63% of second years reported changes in approach to studies following discussion during the previous year's appraisal.


CONCLUSIONS
Appraisals are resource intensive but valued highly by students. Appraisal outcomes provided valuable information elucidating factors affecting transition into university life.
Murdoch-Eaton
Deborah
D
Medical Education Unit, School of Medicine, Level 7, Worsley Building, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9NL, UK. d.g.murdoch-eaton@leeds.ac.uk
Pell
Godfrey
G
Roberts
Trudie
T
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D030141:Feedback, Psychological; D006040:Goals; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007858:Learning; D008603:Mental Health; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires