Preclinical Medical Students' Perspectives and Experiences With Structured Web-Based English for Medical Purposes Courses: Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract BackgroundEnglish for medical purposes (EMP) is essential for medical students as it serves as a foundational language for medical communication and education. However, students often undervalue its importance within the medical curriculum. Given their demanding sched...
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JMIR Publications
2025-03-01
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| Series: | JMIR Medical Education |
| Online Access: | https://mededu.jmir.org/2025/1/e65779 |
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| author | Radhakrishnan Muthukumar Isaraporn Thepwongsa Poompong Sripa Bangonsri Jindawong Kamonwan Jenwitheesuk Surapol Virasiri |
| author_facet | Radhakrishnan Muthukumar Isaraporn Thepwongsa Poompong Sripa Bangonsri Jindawong Kamonwan Jenwitheesuk Surapol Virasiri |
| author_sort | Radhakrishnan Muthukumar |
| collection | DOAJ |
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Abstract
BackgroundEnglish for medical purposes (EMP) is essential for medical students as it serves as a foundational language for medical communication and education. However, students often undervalue its importance within the medical curriculum. Given their demanding schedules and workload, educational methods for EMP must align with their needs. Structured web-based learning offers flexibility and convenience, yet limited research has explored its exclusive application for EMP in undergraduate medical education.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate medical students’ perspectives on structured web-based EMP courses and assess their impact on medical English proficiency using objective and subjective measures.
MethodsStructured web-based EMP courses were developed based on evidence-based guidelines, addressing barriers to web-based learning during development and implementation. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 535 medical students who completed these courses. Data were collected via questionnaires, the learning management system, and the Khon Kaen University Medical English Test (KKUMET), which assessed proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
ResultsOf the 535 students, 452 (84.5%) completed the survey. Participants reported confidence in reading (mean 4.11, SD 0.87), vocabulary (mean 4.04, SD 0.84), and listening skills (mean 4, SD 0.89), but lower confidence in writing skills (mean 3.46, SD 1.07). The KKUMET results showed statistically significant improvements in all 4 language skills after course completion (P
ConclusionsStructured web-based EMP courses are relevant and well received by medical students. These courses significantly improve students’ medical English proficiency, as evidenced by both subjective feedback and objective measures. Medical educators should consider integrating structured web-based EMP programs to better support students’ language proficiency in medical contexts. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9d8f03c721e94b65ae3fca7aa519ee6b |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2369-3762 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | JMIR Publications |
| record_format | Article |
| series | JMIR Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-9d8f03c721e94b65ae3fca7aa519ee6b2025-08-20T01:51:35ZengJMIR PublicationsJMIR Medical Education2369-37622025-03-0111e65779e6577910.2196/65779Preclinical Medical Students' Perspectives and Experiences With Structured Web-Based English for Medical Purposes Courses: Cross-Sectional StudyRadhakrishnan Muthukumarhttp://orcid.org/0000-0003-2023-865XIsaraporn Thepwongsahttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-9862-9573Poompong Sripahttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-9322-4198Bangonsri Jindawonghttp://orcid.org/0000-0001-7692-2325Kamonwan Jenwitheesukhttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-2651-5753Surapol Virasirihttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-4679-6054 Abstract BackgroundEnglish for medical purposes (EMP) is essential for medical students as it serves as a foundational language for medical communication and education. However, students often undervalue its importance within the medical curriculum. Given their demanding schedules and workload, educational methods for EMP must align with their needs. Structured web-based learning offers flexibility and convenience, yet limited research has explored its exclusive application for EMP in undergraduate medical education. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate medical students’ perspectives on structured web-based EMP courses and assess their impact on medical English proficiency using objective and subjective measures. MethodsStructured web-based EMP courses were developed based on evidence-based guidelines, addressing barriers to web-based learning during development and implementation. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 535 medical students who completed these courses. Data were collected via questionnaires, the learning management system, and the Khon Kaen University Medical English Test (KKUMET), which assessed proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsOf the 535 students, 452 (84.5%) completed the survey. Participants reported confidence in reading (mean 4.11, SD 0.87), vocabulary (mean 4.04, SD 0.84), and listening skills (mean 4, SD 0.89), but lower confidence in writing skills (mean 3.46, SD 1.07). The KKUMET results showed statistically significant improvements in all 4 language skills after course completion (P ConclusionsStructured web-based EMP courses are relevant and well received by medical students. These courses significantly improve students’ medical English proficiency, as evidenced by both subjective feedback and objective measures. Medical educators should consider integrating structured web-based EMP programs to better support students’ language proficiency in medical contexts.https://mededu.jmir.org/2025/1/e65779 |
| spellingShingle | Radhakrishnan Muthukumar Isaraporn Thepwongsa Poompong Sripa Bangonsri Jindawong Kamonwan Jenwitheesuk Surapol Virasiri Preclinical Medical Students' Perspectives and Experiences With Structured Web-Based English for Medical Purposes Courses: Cross-Sectional Study JMIR Medical Education |
| title | Preclinical Medical Students' Perspectives and Experiences With Structured Web-Based English for Medical Purposes Courses: Cross-Sectional Study |
| title_full | Preclinical Medical Students' Perspectives and Experiences With Structured Web-Based English for Medical Purposes Courses: Cross-Sectional Study |
| title_fullStr | Preclinical Medical Students' Perspectives and Experiences With Structured Web-Based English for Medical Purposes Courses: Cross-Sectional Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Preclinical Medical Students' Perspectives and Experiences With Structured Web-Based English for Medical Purposes Courses: Cross-Sectional Study |
| title_short | Preclinical Medical Students' Perspectives and Experiences With Structured Web-Based English for Medical Purposes Courses: Cross-Sectional Study |
| title_sort | preclinical medical students perspectives and experiences with structured web based english for medical purposes courses cross sectional study |
| url | https://mededu.jmir.org/2025/1/e65779 |
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