Learning Motives of Medical Students of Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine of Different Years of Study

Abstract

The purpose of the scientific article is to analyse the learning motivation of students of different courses of medical higher education institutions to determine the factors that influence the effectiveness of training and professional development of future doctors.

Methods. The study used the Scale of Learning Achievement Motivation (SLAM), a standardised tool for measuring students' motivation to learn, as well as the interview method. For the statistical processing of the study results, the Pearson's consistency criterion or the criterion of agreement c2 (chi-square) was used.

Results. The study of the motivation of medical students in higher education institutions showed significant differences between 2nd and 4th year students. The results showed that interest in medicine increases from 70% in the 2nd year to 85% in the 4th year (p=0.022), which indicates an increase in interest with experience. The students' desire to help people also increased from 80% to 90% (p=0.010), which may be related to practical internships. On the other hand, the interest in the social prestige of the profession decreased from 65% in the 2nd year to 50% in the 4th year (p=0.038), which indicates a shift in emphasis to the real aspects of the profession. The possibility of career growth increased from 55% to 70% (p=0.048), reflecting the increased prospects in the senior years. Material rewards did not change significantly (40% in the 2nd year and 35% in the 4th year, p=0.480), which confirms the lesser influence of finances on the motivation of higher education students. According to the results of the Scale of Learning Achievement Motivation (SLAM) test, the value of learning increased from 72.5% to 80.2%, expectations from 68.1% to 75.3%, the value of achievement from 70.8% to 78.4%, interest from 65.4% to 73%, and self-regulation from 63.7% to 71.2%. This indicates a general increase in motivation among senior students.

Conclusions. The study showed that the motivation of medical students in higher education institutions changes with the years of study. Senior students demonstrate a greater interest in medicine and a desire to help others through practical experience. Interest in the social prestige of the profession is decreasing, while motivation for career growth is increasing. Financial motivation remains stable, while higher education students focus more on the humanitarian aspects of work.