Factors influencing learning goal orientation in physical therapy students

—Do differences in learning goal orientation affect the learning behavior of physical therapy students?

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the relationship between learning goal orientation (LGO) and learning behavior and factors that influence LGO in physical therapy students. Method: The subjects were 36 university fourth-year students. Based on median values, LGO and learning behavior were compared in two groups. We examined the relationship between LGO and vocational identity and life skills. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors relating to LGO using items that were significantly correlated. Results: Students with higher LGO had a higher percentage of longer learning behaviors than students with lower LGO. A weak positive correlation was observed between LGO and vocational identity and life skills. Logistic regression analysis selected “pride in needing a physical therapist” in vocational identity and “planning” in life skills. Conclusion: LGO is associated with learning behavior, implying that it needs educational support to improve LGO. Furthermore, fostering vocational identity and life skills may improve the LGO of physical therapy students.