Students’ Open Day of Research and Education in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences: A Brief Report

Introduction: In several countries, students’ open day is a permanent part of formal university programs. The purpose of this program which is run annually is to provide an opportunity for K12 students to meet university teachers and students and discuss about atmosphere (mainly educational atmosphere) of that university. This article is a report of the first education and research open day of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences which was held for high school students. Methods: In this study, performed in academic years of 2007-2008 in Isfahan, 120 students of 12 high schools having highest admission rate in university entrance exams were invited. The program included lectures about critical thinking, clinical and basic research, a video clip on university students' prevalent problems associated with research, a video show of noble winners of 2002, a panel to introduce research perspective of different disciplines in university to the students, and finally visit of exhibition of university students' research outputs. Moreover, each participant received a package containing booklets of university overview as well as its majors. Then a questionnaire for determination of students' research and education needs and interests as well as their opinions about the open day was delivered to them. Frequency measures were used for descriptive analysis. Inferential analysis was performed using chi2 and T test. Results: 68 students from 6 high schools (56.6% of invitees) participated in students’ open day and 58 students (85%) filled the questionnaire. According to questionnaires, 37 participants (67%) selected medicine as their first choice. Among major selection motivating factors, only there was a significance differences between two sexes considering the aspect of making money (P=0.031). Thirty two students (55%) were satisfied with their information about university major selection. The first choice of 60% of participants (35 students) was Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and 88% of attendees (46 students) were satisfied with taking part in this program. Conclusion: Holding such a program implies feasibility and necessity of performing similar programs to make students more familiar with universities' research and education capacities and facilities. The results also show that there is a need to give more information about major selection to high school students and also to increase their research abilities through well designed courses and workshops during high school and early university years.