title: Medical Student Perspectives of Active Learning: A Focus Group Study.
abstract: Phenomenon: Medical student perspectives were sought about active learning, including concerns, challenges, perceived advantages and disadvantages, and appropriate role in the educational process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups were conducted with students from all years and campuses of a large U.S. state medical school.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students had considerable experience with active learning prior to medical school and conveyed accurate understanding of the concept and its major strategies. They appreciated the potential of active learning to deepen and broaden learning and its value for long-term professional development but had significant concerns about the efficiency of the process, the clarity of expectations provided, and the importance of receiving preparatory materials. Most significantly, active learning experiences were perceived as disconnected from grading and even as impeding preparation for school and national examinations. Insights: Medical students understand the concepts of active learning and have considerable experience in several formats prior to medical school. They are generally supportive of active learning concepts but frustrated by perceived inefficiencies and lack of contribution to the urgencies of achieving optimal grades and passing United States Medical Licensing Examinations, especially Step 1.
authors.affiliation: a Office of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development, University of Kansas School of Medicine , Wichita , Kansas.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Walling
authors.affiliation: b Office of Medical Education, University of Kansas School of Medicine , Kansas City , Kansas.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Istas
authors.affiliation: b Office of Medical Education, University of Kansas School of Medicine , Kansas City , Kansas.
authors.forename: Giulia A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Bonaminio
authors.affiliation: b Office of Medical Education, University of Kansas School of Medicine , Kansas City , Kansas.
authors.forename: Anthony M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Paolo
authors.affiliation: c Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Kansas School of Medicine , Kansas City , Kansas.
authors.forename: Joseph D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Fontes
authors.affiliation: d Office of Faculty Affairs and Development, University of Kansas School of Medicine , Kansas City , Kansas.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.affiliation: b Office of Medical Education, University of Kansas School of Medicine , Kansas City , Kansas.
authors.forename: Benito A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Berardo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Active learning; focus groups; qualitative study; student perspectives