Learning Sources in Medical School: Instructional Materials Used by Medical Students in Southeast Brazil

Abstract: Active information search is now mandatory as part of medical education. Objectives: To identify the following among medical students in Southeast Brazil: a) learning resources and main titles used in course studies and b) criteria for purchasing textbooks. Methods: A questionnaire (with mostly multiple -choice questions) was sent to the study sample in order to obtain the target information listed above. Results and Conclusions: By the time of their internship, most students had purchased textbooks in ´Internal Medicine, followed in frequency by Anatomy and Physiology. Textbooks in other specialties were less prevalent, with Preventive Medicine being the least frequent subject. Most textbooks are purchased from booksellers at the school. Portuguese is the preferred language as compared to English and Spanish. Instructional materials used by students vary and include information technology resources. However, textbooks are still the most important learning source.