Study of the Relationship between Personality Traits and Academic Performance of Health Science Students

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between various personality traits and academic performance of undergraduate health science students. Materials & Methods: A total of 400 medical, dental, physiotherapy and nursing students participated in this study. The instrument was “Big Five Inventory Questionnaire”. The questionnaire was validated. The data was collected and analyzed using STATA software. Results: The findings of the study did not shows any correlation between all the personality traits (Openness, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness and Neurotism). Conclusion: Personality traits does not influence academic performance.

Identifying learning techniques among high achievers.

Background: In every college, it is noticed that in spite of being exposed to the same teaching modalities and adopting seemingly similar strategies, some students perform much better than their peers. This can be evaluated in the form of better academic performance in the internal assessments they undertake. This project is an endeavor to identify the learning techniques among high achievers which they employ to outperform others. We can also suggest the same to the medium and low achievers so that they can improve their academic performance. This study was conducted to identify different learning techniques adopted by high achievers and suggesting the same to medium and low achievers. Methods: After obtaining clearance from the institutional ethics committee, the high achievers were identified by selecting the upper third of the students in the ascending order of marks obtained in the consecutive three internal assessments in three consecutive batches. The identity of the students was not revealed. They were then administered an open ended questionnaire which addressed relevant issues. The most common and feasible techniques will be suggested to the medium and low achievers. Results: The respondents’ (n=101) replies were analyzed by calculating the percentages of responses, and assessing based on that, which were the most frequently adapted techniques by these high achievers Conclusions: High-achievers have a diligent study pattern; they not only study regularly, but also involve in group discussions and approach their teachers when in doubt. Additionally, they refer to other sources of information like the internet, demonstrating a proactive attitude towards studies.

Factors affecting scholastic performances of adolescents.

Objective. Recognizing the social influence, study habits and health factors affecting scholastic performances of adolescents and to compare these factors among the adolescents between two categories of school. Methods. A total of 1230 adolescents (13-18 yrs) were screened. Data was collected by personal interview, using the teenage screening questionnaire (Trivandrum). Results. A total 615 students from corporation and private schools were studied. 39.76% (489) were high achievers, 13.5% (166) were low achievers with p < 0.001. In the low achievers, 12.03% were from the corporation schools and 1.46% from private schools. The incidence of poor study habits and social factors were increased in low achievers of corporation schools. On multivariate analysis, the predictor variables for poor scholastic performance were adolescent having refractory error, not having help for study at home, not doing home work regularly, not solving question bank papers and reading only before examinations. Conclusion. It is feasible and worthwhile to identify the determinants of scholastic performance and plan intervention strategies at each school. The results highlight the importance of implementing newer strategies, focusing on strict study patterns and creating the conducive school and home environment for study, so as to achive better scholastic performances.