. Ladan Zarshenas; . Shahla Momeni Danaei; . Elham Mazarei; . Hooman Zarif Najafi; . Mahsa Shakour
Volume 4, Issue 2 , May 2014, , Pages 1-4
Abstract
Introduction: The dental students, the same as other students, during their academiccourses are required to learn a wide range of scientific subjects. Obviously, choosingthe inappropriate ...
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Introduction: The dental students, the same as other students, during their academiccourses are required to learn a wide range of scientific subjects. Obviously, choosingthe inappropriate method of study leads to confuse and disenchantment of students andit causes wasting of their energy. The purpose of this study was to assess the existingstrengths and weaknesses of the skills and study habits in Dental Students of ShirazUniversity of Medical Sciences in 2009‑10. Materials and Methods: In this cross‑sectionalstudy, all of the dental students (n = 274), who studied at the time of study at all levels inthe academic year of 2009‑10, were selected by the census. Data were collected by usingthe Huston University questionnaire consisted of two parts of demographic questionsand 64 specific areas of study skills in eight domains of time management, concentration/memory, study aids/note taking, test strategies, information processing, motivation,self‑assessment/reading, and writing skills. Following the retranslation of the questionnaire,the validity was confirmed by using the content validity method. The reliability was obtainedby using the Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.92. The data were analyzed with SPSS softwareversion 17 and using analytical statistic tests. Results: Students who have previouslyparticipated in the study skills workshops had stronger skills in comparison with thestudents who had not participated in these workshops. Time management skills (P = 0.04),motivation (P = 0.0001) and information processing (P = 0.03) in students with professionalstatus were in a more favorable position and showed significant differences in terms ofeducational levels. The study skills mean score of the students living in student housingsin comparison with the other students were significantly higher (P = 0.04). Marital statusshowed no significant differences in reading skills. Conclusion and Recommendations:The review of study skills in the undergraduate and post‑graduate dental students indicatedthat the residents had higher reading skills.By recognizing the existing strengths andweaknesses and holding programs throughcounseling centers can develop the studyskills in the students.
