Medical Student's Perceptions of the Educational Environment in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2016

One of the important indices of the quality of higher education is the quality of learning environment. The aim of this study was to assess the educational environment based on the DREEM model (Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure) from the viewpoints of medical students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS) in 2016.
Material and In this cross-sectional study, Data was collected using the 50-question DREEM questionnaire. All of 370 medical students in RUMS entered our study in 2016, and finally 260 medical students filled out the questionnaire and gave it back. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (Mean and standard deviation), independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and χ² test. Significant level was set at 0.05.
Mean and standard deviation of perception of the educational environment were 89.01±22/74 of 200, showing semi-favorable educational quality in the majority of cases, 165 persons (63.5%). There was no significant difference between the medical students’ viewpoints about the educational environment based on gender, marital status, age, average score, and educational course (p>0.05). In the learning environment domain, only men had affirmative viewpoints (P=0.040). In the social conditions domain, students living at personal houses, had affirmative perceptions (P=0.001).
The educational environment of RUMS was assessed as semi-favorable by medical students. So more attention to the learning environment and a more detailed plan for better education of the university authorities and self ongoing training seem necessary.