The structural equation model of medical students' academic values, love of learning, higher order thinking skills, and academic achievements

The values medical students expect from education and their love of learning will lead to the enhancement of their knowledge and skills and assuming a dynamic attitude towards improving and enhancing the services offered in the health system. Utilizing higher order thinking skills contributes to facilitating and accelerating this process. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between academic values, love of learning, higher order thinking skills, and academic achievement of medical students of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. The present study was a descriptive correlational study the statistical population of which consisted of all medical students of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2019-2020 (n = 306). Using Cochran's formula and random sampling method, 160 students were selected as the participants (65 males and 95 females). Research tools included questionnaires of love for learning, academic values, higher order thinking skills, and students' academic achievement. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and simple regression. The results showed that academic values and love of learning were positive and significant predictors of academic achievement and students' higher order thinking skills. Also, higher order thinking skills were positive and significant predictors of students 'academic achievement and played a mediating role in the relationship of academic values and love of learning with students' academic achievement.