Student Decisions about Lecture Attendance: Do Electronic Course Materials Matter?
- 1 October 2007
- journal article
- self assessment
- Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in Academic Medicine
- Vol. 82 (Suppl), S73-S76
- https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0b013e31813e651e
Abstract
Background This study explored whether first-year medical students make deliberate decisions about attending nonrequired lectures. If so, it sought to identify factors that influence these decisions, specifically addressing the potential impact of electronic materials. Method Medical students who completed first-year studies between 2004 and 2006 responded to an open-ended survey question about their own lecture-attendance decisions. Responses were coded to capture major themes. Students’ ratings of the electronic materials were also examined. Results Most respondents made deliberate attendance decisions. Decisions were influenced by previous experiences with the lecturer, predictions of what would occur during the session itself, personal learning preferences, and learning needs at that particular time, with the overriding goal of maximizing learning. Access to electronic materials did not influence students’ choices. Conclusions Fears that the increasing availability of technology-enhanced educational materials has a negative impact on lecture attendance seem unfounded.Keywords
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