Abstract
[Purpose] We compared lesson awareness between group discussion (GD)classes and traditional (TT) classes and investigated the relationship with willingness to learn. [Subjects] The subjects were 103 students in the physical therapy department of a vocational school. [Method] GD and TT classes took place. We performed factor analysis on the results of a class awareness survey carried out in the GD class, and compared the scores of the subscales of both classes. In addition, we also investigated the relationship between the subscale scores of the GD class and willingness to learn. [Results] In the factor analysis of the GD class survey results, Factor 1 (self-initiated positive attitude to classes) and Factor 3 (motivated to learn) had higher subscale scores than TT classes. In addition, for Factor 1 as well as Factor 3, self-motivation showed an especially high correlation with willingness to learn. [Conclusion] We think that GD classes are a lesson format which can raise levels of self-motivation higher than those of TT classes.
