ABSTRACT
To train students to study voluntarily, we introduced “voluntary learning” to both 3rd-and 4th-year medical students. Students were divided into small groups of 7 to 9. Each group independently studied a theme, including its sociomedical aspects. According to a self-administered questionnaire survey, most students approved of the learning program, although the themes and grouping of students affected their satisfaction with voluntary learning. Oral presentation of study results seemed to be useful for clarifying the contents of learning. However, oral presentation and communication skills still need improvement. Teaching skills might also be improved. Voluntary learning in small groups would be an effective method for teaching behaviors necessary for active education.