Scholar perspectives regarding class culture in Shahrekord university of medical sciences

Introduction: Recognizing students' conceptions and feelings regarding class culture and revealing class members' relationship are important for planning and making positive changes. This study was carried out to determine students’ views regarding the class culture in Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study, 330 university senior students in medicine, nursing and midwifery, health and paramedical fields, were investigated. The questionnaire of class culture (Stephen Robins) was used to gather the data. It included demographic information questions and also questions about different aspects of class culture using 5 point Likert scale. For data analysis, we used descriptive statistics, also Chi square test was applied for determining the relationship between the variables. Results: Most of the students (59%) gave a score between 20 to 29 to the current class culture and 27% gave the score 30 and higher. The students believed that their classmates and teachers are not friendly and supportive. They mentioned that the teachers do not state their expectations clearly and do not foster a challenging learning atmosphere to encourage students for making questions. A significant correlation was observed between class culture and year of study. The students of two - year program study, showed positive attitudes to class culture (P<0.001). Conclusion: In the viewpoints of most medical students, class culture was borderline. More interactions between faculty members and students and using student-centered methods are recommended which can lead to more relationship between faculty members and students as well as between students. This will establish a friendly open culture in the class.