The Use of Collaborative Teaching Approach by Faculty Members and Its Related Factors: A Study in Arak University of Medical Sciences, 2010

Introduction: Collaborative teaching and learning is a process-oriented and learner-centered approach to teaching, with an emphasis on what the learner does. This approach has been advocated in higher education in recent years. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of collaborative teaching approach by faculty members and its correlated factors in Arak University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive correlation study was conducted in year 2010 in Arak University of Medical Sciences. All faculty members (n=136) who had met inclusion criteria were selected. Data gathering tools included demographic data form and Pathways of Adult Learning Survey (PALS) which been used previously in other studies. Descriptive statistics and Chi2 test were used for data analysis. Results: The most instructors (68 persons, 69.4%) used traditional, teacher-centered approach. Total mean score for PALS in the studies sample was 121±19.6 which is below the questionnaire’s cut point (145). This means that the dominant teaching approach in them was teacher-centeredness. Faculty members who had taken educational methodology workshops significantly used the learner-centered teaching approach more. No relationship was found between teaching approach preference and other demographic characteristics. Conclusion: The teaching approach used by faculty members of Arak University of Medical Sciences was teaching-centered. Since teaching methodology workshops can positively influence the teaching approach used by faculty member, running these workshops is recommended.