To Enhance Students' Sense of Purpose in Learning

Abstract

  The increase in the number of universities in Japan in spite of a decrease in the number of enrollees is causing a decline in the academic ability of undergraduates. The diversification of selection methods also contributes to the deterioration of the situation. Some students and teachers in high schools still hold the prejudice that only chemistry is important in the entrance examination for schools of pharmacy. To study pharmaceutical sciences, biology is as important as chemistry, and the number of students who have difficulty in obtaining biology course credits is increasing. Logical thinking based on the established knowledge in basic sciences is necessary for a successful clinical clerkship. However, students are inexperienced in logical thinking using the knowledge learned in their classes. This is why practice is needed during the basic pharmaceutical course. We made it compulsory for all second- and third-year students to take practical courses in physics, chemistry, and biology. In addition, a program in which a tutor conducted individual practice for students was carried out. A change in students' sense of purpose in learning was achieved by changing the method and environment of learning.