STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS REGARDING EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AT PEOPLE’S NURSING SCHOOL - LUMHS JAMSHORO- AN APPLICATION OF DREEM MODEL

Abstract

Background: The dundee ready educational environment measure (DREEM) is a widely used tool for assessing the educational environment in medical and nursing colleges. It captures students' views on learning, instructors, academic self-perception, and social interactions through 50 items. Therefore, assessing the academic environment is crucial for delivering a high-quality, student-focused curriculum, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and mutual support. Evaluation encourages continuous improvement in nursing education, guiding the development of knowledge, skills, and ethics vital for personal and societal growth.

Methodology This research employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. A stratified random sampling method was used to select 200 out of 412 using pre tested questionnaire consisting 50 items was distributed to the selected students. The data collected were analyzed through SPSS version 25 and Excel witht the aimed to understand the perceptions of nursing and medical undergraduate students regarding their educational environment at PNS.

Results: Based on the DREEM data model, the study findings revealed that majority 58% of the participants were females, 60% are between 18 and 23 years old and 27% were from final years, the overall, students expressed satisfaction with their learning environment, engagement in institutional activities, and the curriculum. However, concerns were noted regarding teaching styles, clinical teaching, unclear support systems for stressed students were highlighted, and nearly half of the respondents reported feelings of fatigue and boredom due to over written work.

Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concluded that students generally hold more positive perceptions of their educational environment than negative ones. The majority of students expressed satisfaction based on their participation in the questionnaire. The findings shed light on various aspects of the education environment at PNS LUMHS Jamshoro and highlight areas where improvements can be made to enhance the overall learning experience.