This study was to examine the difference of medical students' academic motivation,
self-directed learning and self-efficacy by their each academic achievement levels in
criterion-referenced assessment system. Based on this, the implications for students’ learning
level support for criterion-referenced assessment operations were aimed to be offered. Number
of 121 students, who are freshmen in medical school, participated. The scales of academic
motivation, self-directed learning and self-efficacy were used in this study. The final records of
the students were gathered. It was divided into top, medium, and low achievement level and
then, it was analyzed. We conducted a MANOVA, ANOVA and t-test analysis for this study.
As the result, self-efficacy in the overall score was higher in second semester compared to the
first semester. Yet, there was no difference in academic motivation and self-directed learning.
As sub-factors of academic motivation and self-directed learning of the second semester
increased significantly compared to the first semester depending on the achievement levels.
Based on the above findings, we suggested implications for learning support strategies
depending on achievement levels in criterion-referenced assessment system. These findings
suggest that, to enhance self-directed learning as a lifelong learning competency, It is desirable
to consider academic achievements levels when designing the learner support strategies.