Ways to improve the quality of medical students' independent work

Statement of the problem. The relevance of the problem of improving the quality of modern medical students' independent work is derived from both its traditionally major role in personality development, and modern socio-economic conditions. The purpose of the article is to determine the conditions for improving the quality of modern medical students' independent work through analyzing the main problems associated with organization of medical students' independent work and the key factors that determine the quality of modern medical students' independent work. Research methodology. The research methodology included a content analysis of literature on the issue of students' independent work as well as analysis of the results of a questionnaire-based survey conducted among 853 students of Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University. The study is based on an autonomy-oriented approach which emphasizes self-determined continuous personal and professional development of a specialist. Research results. According to the study results, more than 50 % of medical students devote less time to their independent work than it is stipulated by the curriculum. Furthermore, 34 % of students declared their independent work inefficient. Nearly 40 % of the respondents demonstrated motivation to avoid failure, while only 27,4 % showed autonomous motivation and willingness to take responsibility for their own training. At the same time, 95 % of students reported lack of interest in memorizing theoretical material and doing tests. Alternatively, working in a clinic with patients, training in a simulation center, and performing creative activities (63,3, 38,4, and 33 % of respondents, respectively) were recognized among the most interesting and motivating tasks. About 60 % of respondents reported having problems in communicating with their teachers while working independently. Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that among the factors determining the quality of modern medical students' independent work the most important place is occupied not so much by technology and access to resources, as by personal characteristics and competencies of the main educational actors: teachers and students.