title: Learning approaches and performance of medical students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the best assessment method for medical students with different learning approaches.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at Bahria University Medical and Dental College, Karachi, from March 2010 to April 2011, and comprised first year medical students. The questionnaire was tailored from the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students on a five-point scale Deep approach, Surface apathetic approach and Strategic approach were assessed through relevant sub-scales. Response to questions was summed for the subscales and main scales for a learning approach. Mean scores for aggregate marks obtained by multiple choice questions, short answer questions, problem-based learning and objective structured physical examination were derived. Coefficient of variation was estimated to find the most reliable assessment method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 100 students enrolled, 98(98%) completed the study. Of them, 51(52%) were girls and 47(48%) were boys. Overall, 70(71.4%) students displayed Strategic approach, and 13(13.3%) showed Surface apathetic approach. Objective structured physical examination had the least variation (12.27) for all approaches whereas maximum variation (14.92) was observed by problem-based learning scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Assessment by problem-based learning scores was able to demarcate deep learners whereas consistent scores were obtained by objective structured physical examination which failed to discriminate variance in performance by different learners.
authors.affiliation: Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Rehana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rehman
authors.affiliation: Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Khalid
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: Bahria University Medical & Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Rabiya
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rehan
authors.affiliation: Bahria University Medical & Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Farheen
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hassan
authors.affiliation: Medical Student, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Fatima
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Syed
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010154:Pakistan; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods; D011588:Psychology, Educational / Q000379:methods*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D058013:Test Taking Skills / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Learning approaches, Surface apathetic learners, Deep learners, Strategic learners, Learning environment, ASSIST.