High- and low-achieving international medical students’ perceptions of the factors influencing their academic performance at Chinese universities

Bibliographic Data

ID15328345
AuthorsQinxu Jiang (0000-0002-7881-3349, School of anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China), Helena Horta (0000-0001-6814-1393, Social Contexts and Policies of Education, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China, corresponding author), Mantak Yuen (0000-0001-7785-9209, Center for Advancement and Inclusive and Special Education, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)
Year2024
Volume29
Issue1
Pages2300194-2300194
Publication date2024-01-03
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMedical Education Online (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1087-2981 • E-ISSN: 1087-2981
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10872981.2023.2300194
PMID38166562
OpenAlexW4390537736
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited36

China has become an attractive destination for international medical students, particularly those from developing countries in Asia and Africa. These students are known to face difficulties in adapting to Chinese medical universities and they tend to score poorly on subsequent examinations to enter the medical profession in their home or in a third country. To date, limited research concerning the factors that affect the academic performance of this group of students in China has been conducted. In particular, there have been very few comparisons between high and low achievers to identify the factors that high- and low-achieving international medical students in all years of study perceive as affecting their academic performance. A qualitative research approach was implemented at two medical universities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 high achievers and 22 low achievers in their second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and post-graduation years. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using a thematic analysis approach.A few key overlapping factors were identified: social support, learning motivation and interest, exam preparation and strategies, time management, and coping. The high achievers manipulated these strategies successfully while the low achievers did not. The high achievers demonstrated efficient learning methods (efficient use of class time, good note-taking habits, preview and review strategies, expanded learning, self-study and group learning, deep learning, choosing an appropriate study location, and focusing on basics and concepts). They also achieved a good balance between studying and leisure. The low achievers mentioned learning challenges, health issues, English language barriers, and problems with online classes. This study allowed us to identify important factors that international medical students at Chinese institutions perceive to influence their performance. The findings contribute to the literature on the topic and provide a solid basis for practice and policy development

China · Graduation (instrument · Mathematics education · Medical education · Perception · Political science · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Time management · Computer Science · Engineering · Global Health Workforce Issues · Innovations in Medical Education · Medical Education and Admissions · Medicine · Psychology

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