Educational Environment: Students’ Perceptions Using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure Inventory

Objectives The learning environment plays a crucial role in determining the success of a robust curriculum and the acquisition of knowledge. The effectiveness of learning is inherently tied to the perception of the learning environment, shaping students’ experiences and learning outcomes. The study objective was to assess the students’ perceptions of the learning environment among undergraduate students enrolled in a specific health science institution in Mangalore. Material and Methods In this study, a quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The research was conducted at specific health science institutions situated in Mangalore, targeting undergraduate students enrolled in these institutions. The sample consisted of 370 undergraduate students currently studying at a selected health science institution in Mangalore, selected through disproportionate stratified random sampling. The data collection instrument for the study comprised two components: the DREEM inventory questionnaire and a demographic proforma. Results Over half (52%) of the participants were in the age range of 17 to 20 years, with an average age of 19 ± 0.5. The mean score for 34 items ranged between 2.1 and 3, suggesting aspects of the learning environment that require improvement. Nine questions had a mean score greater than 3.1 and 3.5, indicating positive aspects of the educational environment. Conversely, seven items had a mean below 2, signifying areas that need closer scrutiny as potential problem areas. Importantly, none of the items scored above 3.5. The overall DREEM median and interquartile range (IQR) scores among nursing students, physiotherapy students, and MBBS students, reflecting their perception of the learning environment, were 129 (120, 139), 126 (118, 135.25), and 130 (121,140.75), respectively. This suggests that the perceptions of undergraduate students in these three programs tend to be “more positive than negative.” Conclusion The findings of this DREEM study suggest that it is essential to establish a supportive atmosphere.