Critical Synthesis Package: Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST)

• Main Authors: Lori Welch (Author), Michael Vitacco (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Association of American Medical Colleges, 2013-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.9404; 2374-8265
• Keywords: Study Skills; DREAM; Directory and Repository of Educational Assessment Measures; Test Taking Skills; Academic Performance; Medicine (General); R5-920; Education; L
• Source: MedEdPORTAL, Vol 9 (2013)

Abstract This Critical Synthesis Package contains: (1) a Critical Analysis of the psychometric properties and application to health sciences education for the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST), and (2) a copy of the ASSIST instrument and scoring key developed by Noel Entwistle, PhD. The ASSIST is designed to evaluate university students' conceptualizations of learning, approaches to studying, and preferences for different types of instructional methods. Research using the ASSIST has identified three primary approaches to studying: deep, strategic, and surface. Construct validity has been supported by several studies which have linked approach to learning to academic performance. Deep and strategic approaches usually are related to greater success, while surface approaches may put students at risk for poor academic performance. Curriculum design that enhances deep and strategic approaches, as well as student interest and motivation, may be beneficial to improving performance outcomes. Future research should evaluate the usefulness of the measure for identifying students who are at risk and assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to enhance study habits in an academic counseling setting.