Attitude towards problem-based learning and its relationship with locus of control and academic self-concept among medical students.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to assess the degree of acceptance of problem-based learning (PBL) among phase one medical students and its association with academic self-concept (ASC) and internal locus of control (ILOC).


METHODS
A 5-point Likert scale valid and reliable questionnaire assessing the attitude towards PBL, ASC, and ILOC was given to phase one medical students at MAHSA University. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS ver. 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA).


RESULTS
Out of 255 participants, there were 84 males and 171 females, 175 Malaysians and 80 non-Malaysians. The results showed an overall acceptance of PBL with a mean of 3.7±0.07, ASC of 3.5±0.05 and ILOC of 2.9±0.05. Females showed a higher significant acceptance of PBL, ASC, and ILOC as compared with males. There was no difference between Malaysians and non-Malaysians in any of the variables measured. Simple regression analysis revealed a significant predictive effect of acceptance of PBL on ASC and ILOC (r=0.44 and r=0.88, respectively).


CONCLUSION
The higher the acceptance of PBL among students, the higher is the ASC and ILOC. This reflects the importance of PBL as a teaching method as well as the importance of increasing the level of appreciation of PBL amongst students.
['Abdalla|Mona Mohamed Ibrahim|MMI|', 'Abdelal|Mahmoud Said|MS|', 'Soon|Siew Choo|SC|']
D000073978:Academic Performance D001290:Attitude D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate D005006:Ethnicity D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007389:Internal-External Control D008296:Malaysia D008297:Male D018794:Problem-Based Learning D012649:Self Concept D013337:Students, Medical D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D014495:Universities
Problem-based learning Academic self-concept Academic success Active learning Internal-external