Can DREEM Instrument (Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure) measure the learning environment in a School of Education?

Abstract

The DREEM inventory is a validated tool assessing the educational environment in health professions institutions around the world. The aim of the present study was to validate DREEM in a different educational setting. The translated and validated in Greek questionnaire was delivered to the students of the Department of Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education at the University of Patras. The explorative factor analysis revealed a different model than the one proposed in the original DREEM study. The overall 62% score showed a very good educational environment in the educational department. The lowest scores were related to the lack of an efficient stress-support system, lack of appropriate feedback from teachers, and to the fact that students are bored during the courses. Even though the instrument is a highly recommended tool for use in a medical school environment it seems that different aspects should be considered for different educational settings.