Development and validation of an instrument to measure the Micro-Learning Environment of Students (MLEM)

BMC Med Educ. 2023 May 31;23(1):395. doi: 10.1186/s12909-023-04381-3.

Abstract

Background: There are multiple instruments to measure different learning environments but no valid and reliable instrument is present for measuring the micro-learning environment. This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument to measure the micro-learning environment of students. Measuring the micro-learning environment can give insight into the real-life experiences of students and enlighten us about the disparity between taught, delivered, and learned curricula.

Methods: Multi-institutional Mixed methods study design with consecutive qualitative and, quantitative components was used based on information processing theory. Literature review, results of semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussion were combined to develop a questionnaire. Content and response process validity were established followed by pilot testing, reliability calculation, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results: A forty-nine-item preliminary draft instrument was reduced to a total of twenty-four items final instrument having five themes regarding teaching practices, learners support, competence in teaching, progressive faculty, and teaching environment. The values of SCVI/Ave and S-CVI/UA were calculated to be 0.92 and 0.62 respectively. Reliability was calculated to be 0.94. Fit indices values were within the normal range.

Conclusion: The instrument for measuring the micro-learning environment has excellent content, construct, response process validity, and reliability.

Keywords: Environment; Learning; Reliability; Teaching; Validity.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Educational Measurement / methods
  • Humans
  • Learning*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Students, Nursing*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires