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Table 3 Non-RCT participants' reasons for preferring small groups or interactive seminars

From: Interactive seminars or small group tutorials in preclinical medical education: results of a randomized controlled trial

 

Non-RCT participants

 

SG

IS

Number of students completing questionnaire A

N = 68

N = 36

 

strongly disagree

disagree

neutral

agree

strongly agree

strongly disagree

disagree

neutral

agree

strongly agree

 

%

%

In general, I prefer working in small groups.*

0

0

7.5

59.7

32.8

0

14.7

20.6

50.0

14.7

I retain information much better when I work in a small group.**

0

0

11.9

58.2

29.9

0

14.7

41.2

32.4

11.8

I want to participate actively during lectures and seminars.

0

9.0

20.9

47.8

22.4

0

17.6

26.5

41.2

14.7

I like to have the material demonstrated to me.

1.5

3.0

22.4

53.7

19.4

0

2.9

17.6

52.9

23.5

I appreciate direct feedback from a tutor/lecturer.

0

3.0

13.4

65.7

17.9

2.9

2.9

17.6

50.0

26.5

I dislike compulsory course components.***

1.5

37.3

43.3

9.0

9.0

8.8

8.8

26.5

41.2

14.7

I prefer to determine for myself when I study.

0

1.5

22.4

52.2

23.9

0

2.9

11.8

52.9

32.4

I prefer to work out the material for myself.

1.5

19.4

35.8

38.8

4.5

5.9

11.8

38.2

38.2

5.9

To me, small group teaching is an extra and not essential preparation for the exam.

16.4

55.2

4.5

19.4

4.5

11.8

41.2

20.6

26.5

0

I prefer to start studying just before the exam.

28.4

40.3

14.9

13.4

3.0

14.7

41.2

20.6

17.6

5.9

I enjoy preparing for small group tutorials.

3.0

13.4

26.9

50.7

6.0

5.9

14.7

29.4

38.2

11.8

  1. SG = Small group tutorials. IS = Interactive seminars.
  2. Questionnaire A = Questionnaire sent to all students three weeks before the start of the block.
  3. * P = 0.001; ** P < 0.001 and *** P = 0.008 by student unpaired t test.