Evaluation of Strategies to Motivate Student Learning in a Doctor of Pharmacy Physical Assessment Course

Objective : To evaluate if utilizing self-directed goals and self-assessment of course specific learning objectives motivates student learning in a first-year professional pharmacy course. This study will also assess students’ perceptions of utilizing these various motivational strategies.

Methods: First-year professional pharmacy students enrolled in Principles of Physical Assessment and Medication Administration course participated in this study. During week 1 students completed a pre-survey to identify a specific learning goal to meet in the course as well as self-assess on thirteen of the course learning objectives. During week 14 of the course, students completed a post survey which included an end of course self-assessment of the learning objectives, achievement of their specific learning goal they identified in week 1 and questions about these motivational tools.

Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in student’s assessment of their baseline knowledge of all 13 learning objectives from week 1 (20%-78%) to week 14 (92%-100%) (P < 0.0001). Overall, 85% of students agreed/strongly agreed that setting a self-directed goal and self-evaluating their baseline knowledge at the beginning of course resulted in the motivation to learn. Students indicated they are more likely to set goals in future courses (85%) and more likely to evaluate their knowledge of the course specific learning objectives for other courses (89%). There was no statistically significant difference in baseline knowledge of the learning objectives among those students who have work experience in healthcare compared to those who do not.

Conclusions: Setting goals and self-evaluating course specific learning objectives has the potential to be a motivational strategy to improve student learning. These results may prompt faculty to encourage students to utilize this method in other courses in the professional pharmacy program.