Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating the Effect of an Empowering Program Based on the ASSURE Model on Medical Students’ Participation in Teaching and Classroom Activities

Background :

One of the educational design models emphasizing learner participation is the ASSURE model. The present study aims to design, implement, and evaluate the effect of an empowering program based on the ASSURE model on medical students’ participation in teaching and classroom activities.

Methods:

 This is a descriptive study that was conducted on 62 undergraduate students in public health at Arak University of Medical Sciences in 2021. The program was designed and implemented based on the 6 phases of the ASSURE model. The data collection tool was a researcher-made student satisfaction and attitude questionnaire based on the 6 dimensions of the ASSURE model. The data was analyzed in SPSS software, version 16.

Results:

 In this study, 91% (n=53) of students were female and 9% were male. The students’ interest to participate in teaching was reported to be 80%. Their satisfaction with the analysis of learners (first phase) and the statement of educational objectives (second phase) was 75% and 89%, respectively. For the use of materials and media (third phase), 68% reported favorable satisfaction, and 23% had moderate satisfaction. In addition, 84% were satisfied with the way of participation in teaching and classroom activities, and 65% were satisfied with the evaluation method (last step).

Conclusion :

The empowering program designed based on the ASSURE model is effective in increasing public health students’ participation and interest in teaching and classroom activities. This program can be used in other universities in Iran to improve educational objectives and effective learning.