The impact of advanced pharmacy practice experiences on students' readiness for self-directed learning

• Published in: American journal of pharmaceutical education 2009-07, Vol.73 (4), p.65-65
• Main Authors: Huynh, Donna, Haines, Stuart T, Plaza, Cecilia M, Sturpe, Deborah A, Williams, Greg, Rodriguez de Bittner, Magaly A, Roffman, David S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Education, Pharmacy, Graduate - methods; Education, Pharmacy, Graduate - standards; Educational Measurement - methods; Educational Measurement - standards; Female; Humans; Learning; Male; Motivation; Students, Pharmacy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0002-9459; 1553-6467
• DOI: 10.5688/aj730465

To evaluate the impact of advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) on doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students' readiness for self-directed learning. The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) was administered to students prior to and after completing their APPEs. SDLRS is a validated instrument that determines the relative degree to which students have the attitudes and motivation to engage in self-directed learning. Seventy-seven (64%) students completed the SDLRS prior to starting their APPEs and 80 (67%) students completed the instrument after completing their APPEs. Forty-six (38%) students completed both. Prior to starting their APPEs, 74% of students scored greater than 150 on the SDLRS, indicating a high level of readiness for self-directed learning. No significant difference was found between the mean scores of students who took the SDLRS both prior to (159 +/- 20) and after completing their APPEs (159 +/- 24; p > 0.05). Students at our institution appear to be ready for self-directed learning but APPEs had a minimal impact on their readiness for self-directed learning.