The Relationship of Study and Learning approaches with Students’ Academic Achievement in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Most experts consider learning approach as the fundamental basis of learning dividing it into two parts of deep learning approach and surface learning approach. This is an endeavor to investigate the relationship between learning and study approaches with academic achievement among students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2012 on a sample of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and allied health students (n=370) selected through stratified random sampling in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. Data gathering tool was a revised two-factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) graded based on 5point Likert Scale. Students’ total grade point average (GPA) was considered to evaluate their academic achievement. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Independent t-test, ANOVA, Spearman correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression). Results: Mean and standard deviation of deep learning approach (3.21±0.054) was significantly higher than surface learning approach (2.92±0.064) (t=6.65, p<0.001). Deep learning and GPA showed direct and positive correlation (r=0.12, P=0.041). On the other hand, surface approach and GPA showed negative and reverse correlation (r=-0.11, P=0.05). The most important predictor index of GPA, was deep approach. This means that an increase of one unit in deep approach, lead to increase of 0.28 points in GPA. In all disciplines, mean of students’ deep approach was higher than that of surface approach, but differences of deep approach between disciplines were not significant (P=0.52). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that deep learning approach is an important predictor of students’ learning outcome in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. Therefore, students should be helped in order to adopt with deep approach using appropriate educational interventions and proper planning