Page 89 - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

INTRODUCTION

This student guide is intended to help with your orientation as a new student in the University of
Malaya Medical Programme (UMMP). We strongly recommend that you read it during your first week.

The five-year medical programme that you are just embarking on is known as the University of Malaya
Medical Programme (UMMP).

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING

‘In its broadest meaning, self-directed learning describes a process in which individuals take the
initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulation learning
goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing and implementing
appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes’

(Knowles, M. (1975). Self-Directed Learning. Chicago: Follet. p.18)

At the Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, we want students to drive their own learning. While this
may appear easy to do on paper, learning to learn independently can be a challenge. Some of you may
have the inherent characteristics of a self-directed learner. For others, you will have to train yourself
to be a self-directed learner. While the faculty and lecturers are ready to guide you in your teaching
and learning via an outcome-based curriculum, self-directed learning goes a step further by expecting
students to display [Figure 1]:

Ownership of Learning

▪ Articulate learning gaps
▪ Set learning goals
▪ Identify learning tasks to achieve the goals
• Extension of Own Learning
▪ Learn beyond the curriculum
▪ Empowerment through self-learning
• Management and Monitoring of Own Learning
▪ Explore alternative methods of learning
▪ Make sound decisions
▪ Formulate questions and generate own inquiries
▪ Plan and manage workload and time effectively and efficiently
▪ Reflect on your learning
▪ Use feedback to inform and improve yourself
• Develop Skills of Self-Directed Learner
▪ Acquire positive habits
▪ Develop healthy coping strategies
▪ Ensure self-care

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