Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2005):

Failing finals is often a surprise for the student but not the teacher: identifying difficulties and supporting students with academic difficulties.

Full Abstract

Weak students often continue with little guidance and feedback, and often have ongoing difficulties. Early support may stop students experiencing a cycle of failure. Key to supporting struggling students is to identify reasons for poor performance. We explored the reasons for poor performance in a cohort of fifth year students who failed their final clinical examinations. Qualitative methods (interviews and a focus group) identified several themes. Many of the students had experienced personal problems or issues. They regarded themselves as competent students although they had significantly greater problems with earlier exams than the year mean, and significantly lower scores in formative assessments during the year leading up to these exams than their peers. Factors relating to the exam itself were seen as relevant to failure. More specific support and feedback throughout the MBcHB was seen as desirable. They tended to take little personal responsibility for their performance and were reluctant to seek help. We conclude that while the onus is on Faculty to identify and support failing students, the results indicate that students would benefit from support in developing self-reflection skills in such a way to support life-long learning.

Author information

Author/s: Cleland, Jennifer (J); Arnold, Rachelle (R); Chesser, Alistair (A);

Affiliation: Department of General Practice and Primary Care, Foresterhill Health Centre, University of Aberdeen, London, UK. jen.cleland(-atsign-)abdn.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Medical teacher (Med Teach), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2005-Sep; vol 27 (issue 6) : pp 504-8

Dates: Created 2005/10/03; Completed 2006/01/06; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 16199356, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Cohort Studies Education, Medical, Undergraduate - standards Educational Measurement Humans

Humans Learning Students, Medical - psychology Underachievement

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