Abstract

MONTALVO-AGUILAR, Michell et al. Academic performance in the first year of Medicine and its relationship to vocational interests, attitude toward study and strength of motivation. FEM (Ed. impresa) [online]. 2013, vol.16, n.2, pp.111-117. ISSN 2014-9840.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S2014-98322013000200010.

Introduction. A number of factors, including motivation, determine decision to study medicine: liking for the academic and basic science, the inclination towards scientific research and the quest for a high social and economic status. It is believed that personal, family, and socio-demographic characteristics, along with interest profile and motivations influence medical students in their professional perspective. It is also influenced by a relative doctor, an early contact with medicine, and higher level of education of parents. Subjects and methods. As part of the school admission exam, a placement test was applied to the student. During the first semester students completed the questionnaire Strength of Motivation for Medical School (SMMS) and we then got their academic marks for the first year. Results. Sixty-three students were tested. Relationship was found in having low achievement and getting a lower score in the areas of vocational interests and reasoning and more likely experience low organizational level and low level of satisfaction. Conclusions. This study showed how student perspective about the medical career, results of his/her psycho-motivational test, vocational interests, and degree of social commitment influence the students' academic performance. Identifying gaps and detecting problems solutions can improve the process of medical education.

Keywords : Academic performance; Education; Medicine; Motivation; Vocational interests.

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