A Novel Examination of Learning Approaches and Their Influence on Student Performance in Higher Education

Abstract

The learning method has a significant impact on the acquisition, retention and application of knowledge and clinical skills by various students. A secondary data analysis was conducted in which responses to 20 questions were obtained from medical students of a major city of Pakistan, and which learning approaches, namely deep, surface and strategic learning relating to better academic performance were identified in this quantitative study. The analysis of the data was undertaken using secondary data analyzed by SmartPLS, in which correlation analysis and regression analysis were used to determine the power of the learning approach that can be predicted. The results reveal that all three methods are primarily related to academic performance, with deep learning being the strongest predictor of academic success, followed by the strategic learning approach. The findings point to a meaningful understanding and organized study behaviours as key drivers of excellence in medical education, even though surface learning is indicated with a positive, though comparatively weaker link. The insights gained reveal the importance of cultivating learning dispositions and attitudes that are deep and strategic, and encourage professors to create learning environments that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and self-regulated learning. The integration of evidence-based learning strategies with teaching will make it more effective to train students to be confident and competent in their professional practice in medical institutions.