Students' views of enquiry-based learning in a continuing professional development module

The purpose of this study was to explore whether qualified nurses who had undertaken a continuing professional development module at a UK university, which utilised enquiry-based learning (EBL) as the educational strategy, believed that their nursing practice had been influenced by this educational approach. This study was underpinned by the assumptions of Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenology; semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight nurses who had undertaken a continuing education module utilising an EBL approach. The responses in this study indicate that participants believed that their practice of nursing had been positively influenced by engaging in EBL. They felt that by becoming self-directed, critical, reflective practitioners, they were better able to deliver evidence-based practice/care. Self reports of practice change attributed to engaging in EBL were provided, with the patient identified as the principal beneficiary, echoing the espoused aims of continuing professional development. EBL was credited with being a motivating, energizing and enjoyable way of learning but participants were critical of the lack of preparedness of both the students and facilitators. Consideration needs to given as to whether EBL is viewed as a philosophy of learning or as a facilitative strategy used alongside other educational methods.     

Problem based learning in mental health nursing: the students' experience

Problem based learning (PBL) is well established within the field of health-care education for professionals worldwide, although little has been done to explore the experiences of students undertaking a PBL course in mental health nursing. Without firm evidence of the benefits of PBL, educationalists in mental health might be reluctant to view it as an option in curricula design. This U.K. study examined the experiences of pre-registration post-graduate mental health student nurses undertaking a 2-year educational course in which all teaching and assessment followed a PBL philosophy. Focus groups were used throughout the course to elicit in-depth qualitative data that was analysed by applying a constant comparative method. The analysis of the data uncovered the following broad themes: 'moves to autonomy, 'surviving the groups' and 'the impact of PBL'. The findings show that participants had mainly positive experiences and gained a range of study and interpersonal skills central to mental health nursing. Participants described initial anxieties resulting from engagement in PBL. However, they increasingly gained confidence in this approach, exercising increasing control over the PBL process. Despite this increased autonomy, participants continued to value the input of skilled facilitators. A recurring issue centred on the potential for interpersonal conflict within the student group and its impact on their learning. It is suggested that more research is needed examining the use of PBL in mental health nursing.     

Problem-based learning in a new Canadian curriculum

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a method of group learning that uses true-to-life problems as a stimulus for students to learn problem-solving skills and acquire knowledge about the basic and clinical sciences. This article documents the design and implementation of PBL in a second year course in the new curriculum of the University of Ottawa School of Nursing's Generic Program. The learning and teaching experiences of students and facilitators in this PBL course are described. As a way to determine students' perception of their learning using PBL, they were asked to respond to four questions. The most frequently described thinking processes were problem solving, nursing process and group process. When asked to describe the learning they derived from PBL, as differentiated from other instructional methods, students identified group process and problem solving most often. The most frequently identified factors that influenced performance and learning in PBL were positive attitude and group effort. The factors that affected the facilitators' performance of their role were large group size, insufficient practice of facilitator skills and PBL preparation. To enhance group process, facilitators modelled and shared roles. They fostered student motivation and development through formative evaluation. PBL produced clear benefits for students, such as increased autonomous learning, critical thinking, problem solving and communication. For facilitators, PBL was a liberation from the traditional role of 'content expert and super consultant'.     

Problem effectiveness in an occupational therapy problem-based learning course.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate students' perceptions of the extent to which faculty-generated learning objectives were addressed in a problem-based learning (PBL) course. METHOD: Twenty-seven students enrolled in a 12-week PBL course were randomly divided by age, gender, and grade point average into four tutorial groups. Each group rated on a 10-cm visual analog scale their perceptions of how well they believed the objectives for each of four cases were addressed. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test the average differences among the tutorial groups for each case. Further, post hoc tests were performed to compare the means among groups for each objective. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the average perceptions among the tutorial groups for any of the four cases. Student ratings indicated their overall perception that within each problem, preset objectives had been met. CONCLUSION: The results support that students' interpretations of learning objectives for PBL cases are consistent with the problem developers' intended learning objectives. In addition, the similarities in the average scores for learning objectives across the four tutorial groups support the notion that PBL outcomes can be consistent among students, even though their study and discussions are in separate groups with different facilitators.     

PBL教学模式在专本连读护生中的应用与改进策略

目的探讨PBL（problem-based learning,PBL）教学模式在专本连读护生《护理学基础》教学中的应用。方法实验组实施40学时PBL教学,对照组实施同学时量传统教学。结果97%以上的护生认为PBL教学可以提高自主学习所需要的选择信息的能力、合作学习能力、解决问题的能力,85%学生认为能提高学科知识的掌握程度,78%学生认为可提高学习主动性和兴趣。结论PBL教学是一种提高学生自主学习能力的教学法。要进一步提高PBL教学中学生的学习兴趣,必须将PBL教学与传统教学结合,优化PBL教学中问题、内容和时间的设置,强化教学和班级管理,提高教师科研水平。     

Comparing alternate learning pathways within a problem-based learning speech-language pathology curriculum

Purpose: This qualitative study investigated the learning process for speech-language pathology (SLP) students engaging in a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum and compared the perspectives of students from two pathways.

Method: Sixteen final-year SLP students participated in one of four focus groups. Half the participants entered the course directly via an undergraduate pathway and the other half entered via a graduate entry pathway. Each focus group comprised two students from each pathway. Data were generated via a semi-structured interview and analysed thematically.

Result: Regardless of participants’ pathway, many similar themes about factors that influenced their expectations prior to PBL commencing as well as their actual PBL experiences were raised. Participants believed that PBL was a productive way to learn and to develop clinical competencies. Many were critical of variations in PBL facilitation styles and were sensitive to changes in facilitators. The majority of participants viewed experiential opportunities to engage in PBL prior to commencement of semester as advantageous.

Conclusion: Combining students with different backgrounds has many advantages to the PBL learning process. Regardless of prior experiences, all students must be sufficiently prepared. Furthermore, the facilitator has a crucial role with the potential to optimise or detract from the learning experience.     

Initial experiences of interprofessional problem-based learning: a comparison of male and female students' views

Few studies have considered the contribution of problem-based learning (PBL) to interprofessional education, and even fewer have examined whether women and men evaluate PBL differently. This paper examines first year occupational therapy and physiotherapy students' evaluations of their initial participation in PBL, during an interprofessional module focusing on communication skills and patient-focused approaches to care. Questionnaire data included attitude ratings and qualitative evaluations of PBL. A total of 133 females and 24 males responded (comprising 83% of the total cohort). Most students were positive that PBL contributed to both personal learning and team-working skills. Both female and male students felt able to express their opinions within the seminar groups and were positive that their understanding of therapists' roles within the multidisciplinary team had increased. However, women expressed rather more trust in the information provided by other students, confirmed greater enjoyment in taking responsibility for their own learning and had more positive views about working with students from another course. In their qualitative comments, more women made reference to enjoying the social aspects of PBL (such as group work, support and collaboration). The gender differences were not substantial but those that were observed support previous researchers' arguments that women are more inclined to be 'connected learners' who value the social aspects of learning contexts. The findings overall suggested that PBL made a positive, well-received contribution to learning during an interprofessional module.     

基于胜任力导向的社区护理实践教学改革

目的探讨基于胜任力导向的社区护理实践教学改革的实施及效果评价。方法选取护理本科生134名作为研究对象,实践教学包括访谈准备模块、现场访谈模块及模拟宣教模块,最后使用自制反馈问卷评价教学效果。结果 98.5%的护生认为"教学活动促进了自己的总体学习";99.3%认为"该课程学习是一段非常宝贵的经历";96.3%认为"对社区护理有更加清晰和完整的认识";100%认为"课程启发了自己的思考";97%认为"更能体会社区护理对象的感受,察觉他们的需求";94.8%认为"比以前更认真地对待自我学习过程"。结论以职业情境中要求具备的核心能力为目标,以工作任务为中心设计实践教学模块,激发了护生自主学习兴趣,加深了他们对社区护理的认识,提高了社区护理核心能力。     

PBL在循证医学教学中的应用研究

目的探讨PBL在循证医学教学中的应用效果。方法将2005级临床医学专业1．8班随机分为PBL教学组（PBL组）和传统教学组（LBL组）,每组各4个班。利用考试成绩、问卷调查和座谈会相结合的方法进行教学效果评估。用SPSS11．5软件处理所有数据。结果两组50％以上的同学认为PBL教学可以调动学习积极性,激发学习兴趣,提高参与意识、综合分析能力和自学能力等,在提高综合分析能力和学习效率,更好消化课堂所学内容,加强师生沟通及是否继续实施PBL教学方面的差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。PBL组考试成绩与LBL组相比,多项选择题、判断题、名词解释、简答题、论述题得分和总成绩差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论PBL教学模式能很好地训练本科生的临床思维,培养其构建问题、综合分析、文献检索、语言表达和探索创新等方面的能力,全面提高循证医学课教学质量。     

Initial experiences of interprofessional problem-based learning: a comparison of male and female students' views

Few studies have considered the contribution of problem-based learning (PBL) to interprofessional education, and even fewer have examined whether women and men evaluate PBL differently. This paper examines first year occupational therapy and physiotherapy students' evaluations of their initial participation in PBL, during an interprofessional module focusing on communication skills and patient-focused approaches to care. Questionnaire data included attitude ratings and qualitative evaluations of PBL. A total of 133 females and 24 males responded (comprising 83% of the total cohort). Most students were positive that PBL contributed to both personal learning and team-working skills. Both female and male students felt able to express their opinions within the seminar groups and were positive that their understanding of therapists' roles within the multidisciplinary team had increased. However, women expressed rather more trust in the information provided by other students, confirmed greater enjoyment in taking responsibility for their own learning and had more positive views about working with students from another course. In their qualitative comments, more women made reference to enjoying the social aspects of PBL (such as group work, support and collaboration). The gender differences were not substantial but those that were observed support previous researchers' arguments that women are more inclined to be 'connected learners' who value the social aspects of learning contexts. The findings overall suggested that PBL made a positive, well-received contribution to learning during an interprofessional module.     

Problem-based learning in children's nursing: transcending doubts to exceeding expectations

Problem-based learning (PBL) is well established in health education. It is regarded as a constructionist approach to education that emphasizes students' active engagement with the learning process, self-direction, and learning in a meaningful context. This article details the experiences of nurse lecturers in one university in the Republic of Ireland during the introduction of a PBL module to students enrolled in a higher diploma in children's nursing program. All lecturers attended a three-day training program on the principles and processes of PBL. The lecturers, all experienced nurse educators, had no prior experience in implementing PBL. Data collection involved the use of reflective journals and group meetings. Thematic content analysis revealed key themes that chart the journey from transcending doubts to exceeding expectations of the PBL process.     

Student perspectives on problem-based learning in an occupational therapy curriculum: a multiyear qualitative evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: Problem-based learning (PBL) is increasingly being used within health care professional educational programs to develop critical thinking skills via a learner-centered approach. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of participation in a PBL-centered curriculum on occupational therapy knowledge and skill development over time from the perspective of the students involved. This study examined student evaluations of the first three class cohorts participating in a PBL-based curriculum. METHOD: A participatory action design study involving qualitative, student-led focus groups was conducted with 154 students across 2 years of the education program. Fourteen focus groups were audiotaped, and those audiotapes were transcribed by an outside expert, followed by two levels of analysis by program faculty members and a member check by student participants. RESULTS: Themes that emerged from the data analysis related to (a) defining elements of PBL, (b) the role of students and faculty members, (c) learning strategies used by students in a PBL versus traditional education program, (d) the challenges of a PBL approach, and (e) PBL's relationship to clinical reasoning and occupational therapy practice. CONCLUSIONS: Students perceived that a PBL approach adopted consistently across the curriculum contributed to the development of information management, critical reasoning, communication, and team-building skills; however, identified challenges were time and role management, information access, instructor versus PBL expectations and practices, and coping with the ambiguity of knowledge and reasoning.     

A comparison of problem-based learning and lecture-based learning in an adult health nursing course

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of the problem-based learning (PBL) method with the traditional lecture method on learning in the cardiorespiratory nursing section of the Adult Health Nursing course. METHOD: A pretest-posttest experimental design was used. A total of 71 second-year nursing students in a three-year nursing program in Korea participated: 35 students in the PBL group in the fall semester of 2002, and 36 students in the traditional lecture group in 2003. The seven PBL packages were developed by the authors, based on an analysis of relevant learning content and clinical scenarios. RESULTS: The level of knowledge in the PBL group was significantly higher than that of students in the lecture group (t=2.007, p=.045). All PBL students with higher and lower grades showed a significant increase in the posttest score. But in the lecture group, only students with higher grades showed a notable increase. No statistically significant difference was found between the PBL and lecture groups in the level of attitude toward learning (t=1.669, p=.100). Learning motivation was significantly higher in the PBL group (t=2.608, p=.012). CONCLUSION: Students in the PBL group gained more knowledge and had higher motivation toward learning compared to students in the lecture group.     

Perceptions of radiography students toward problem-based learning almost two decades after its introduction at Makerere University,Uganda

IntroductionProblem-based learning (PBL) has been reported to be a valuable student-centred learning approach across the globe. In PBL students first encounter a problem, which triggers discussion, followed by student-centred inquiry. Makerere University College of Health Sciences has been using PBL for radiography students since 2002. Over the years, the learning landscape may have changed, including the significant disruption of learning by the coronavirus disease 2019 global pandemic. The study aimed at exploring the perceptions of undergraduate radiography students about the PBL curriculum at Makerere University almost two decades after its introduction.MethodsThis exploratory qualitative study involved 18 radiography students sampled purposively, from whom data were gathered using focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was subsequently used.ResultsThree key themes emerged from the data: (1) quality of teaching, (2) curriculum efficiency, and (3) curriculum expectations and rating. All students were generally positive about the curriculum. Most agreed that the curriculum was efficient to a greater extent and had met their expectations and desired objectives. Students, however, faced challenges; for example, with limited learning resources during the learning process.ConclusionThis study highlights the significant role of PBL in enhancing student's problem-solving, critical thinking, literature search, and, most of all, their practical skills. Prioritization of teaching based on practical relevance and learning objectives is of great importance. The radiography students believed that their curriculum program was generally beneficial to them; however, it was affected by limited resources and limited availability of teaching personnel, which needs to be addressed.     

The impact of international experience on student nurses' personal and professional development

Background: Many student nurses undertake international clinical experience during their education programmes, which raises the question ‘How do these experiences impact on students nurses’ personal and professional development?’ Method: A case study was conducted in one School of Nursing in the United Kingdom. Student nurses participating in a new module, International Nursing and Health Care, which included clinical experience overseas, gave qualitative accounts of their international experiences and subsequent learning. Their accounts were also compared with the perceptions and expectations of the module facilitators. Findings: While there were some similarities in student experience and facilitator expectations, there were also notable differences. The students believed that their international experiences had a deep impact on their personal development, helping them make the transition from student to qualified nurse. The case study raised further questions about the acquisition of cultural knowledge and the facilitation and provision of learning from experience.     

澳门护理学生对以问题为基础学习的评价与反思（英文）

[目的]研究描述澳门护理学生以问题为基础的学习（PBL）的学习经历。[方法]对接受一学期PBL课程学习的28名澳门四年级护理本科生进行评价,学生自愿参与本研究并完成由研究者研制的PBL评价表,并书写关于学习经历的反思报告。[结果]澳门护理学生认为PBL总体上中等度有效（3.35分±0.53分）,认为PBL在于激励小组讨论（3.93分±0.81分）,促进不同观点的开放式讨论（3.89分±0.74分）,分享在小组内所学到的、所解释和分析的（3.79分±0.74分）以及增进团队有效工作能力（3.61分±0.69分）等方面高度有效。近半数学生表示知识获得不确定、有压力的学习过程和超负荷的工作,部分学生因差的小组合作而感到沮丧。[结论]PBL能有效促进学生积极参与学习,若教师给予学生充分的支持以促进他们对PBL的理解,并帮助他们发展适合的策略以应对并融入PBL学习过程,PBL效果将会更好。     

Testing the water – problem-based learning and the cultural dimension

This study reports the findings of a small case study using problem-based learning (PBL) as a teaching and learning strategy in a cultural awareness module, which forms part of a pre-registration diploma in nursing course.The study was carried out using a qualitative research methodology. It aimed to describe and explore 20 diplomat student nurses and their lecturers’ experience of undertaking PBL. The categories that emerged from the analysis were: knowledge development and PBL process. A selection of these categories and their sub-categories are described and discussed in relation to the literature on problem-based learning.The study concluded that undergoing PBL as a teaching and learning strategy had positive outcomes for the students. Prior knowledge was utilised in knowledge development in relation to the problem and was seen as beneficial. Students reported that they felt more confident and used the knowledge gained to care for patients’ cultural needs in practice. Students also identified lack of knowledge amongst staff in the clinical area in relation to cultural awareness. There were however some challenges in the transition to a PBL strategy from the perspective of the students and lecturers. Issues that were found to be difficult include the change to a different teaching and learning strategy, the implications of self-direction for the student and the role of the facilitator as a non-directive guide. The study recommends that the findings may be of use for other nurse educators implementing PBL as a teaching and learning strategy.     

Peeling back the layers of learning: a classroom model for problem-based learning

This paper aims to provide an informative discussion with underpinning rationales about the use of a problem-based learning (PBL) classroom model, supported by a structured process for undertaking PBL. PBL was implemented as a main teaching and learning strategy for a diploma in nursing programme as advised by the Department of Health [Department of Health., 1999. Making a difference: Strengthening the Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting Contribution to Health and Health Care. Department of Health, London.] and the United Kingdom Central Council for nurses, midwifes and health visitors [United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting, 1999. Fitness for Practice. UKCC, London.]. The implementation and change to the PBL approach is not without challenges, and so it was considered important to facilitate this change effectively. Through ongoing reflection, peer discussions and continuous review of the literature following studies at Masters Level, it was identified that the design of a model may guide students and facilitators who were new to the PBL process to help students identify relevant learning needs and thus enable them to achieve the learning outcomes of a dynamic curriculum [Darvill, A., 2000. Developing Problem-based Learning in the Nursing Education Curriculum: A Case Study. Unpublished MSc Dissertation, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield; McLoughlin, M., 2002. An Exploration of the Role of the Problem-based Learning Facilitator: An Ethnographic Study of Role Transition in a Higher Education Institution 'Paradigm Shift or New Ways of Working'. Unpublished MSc Dissertation. University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield.]. In this paper the key components of the model will be described.     

An exploratory study of web-enhanced learning in undergraduate nurse education

Aim. The aim of the study was to explore undergraduate nursing students’ views of web‐enhanced learning and to examine issues relating to their pattern of access to a rehabilitation nursing module website. Background. As information technology is an integral component of western health care, all nurses are expected to have the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to be competent in its use. Methods. In phase 1, a focus group interview was conducted with students (n = 6) who had not logged onto a similar module website. In phase 2, a questionnaire was administered to students undertaking the web‐enhanced module. In phase 3, each student's (n = 231) pattern of access to the module was identified and compared with the student's performance as evidenced by their module assignment mark. Results. Students held favourable attitudes towards web‐enhanced learning but some students experienced difficulties. There was a significant positive association between the students’ assignment mark and the number of times logged onto the module website. Significant negative correlations were found between mark and week of first log on, and week of first log on and number of hits onto the module site. This suggests that students who logged onto the module in the first few weeks were more likely to achieve higher marks. Conclusions. This study's findings suggest that students who accessed the module website early and often were more likely to produce more comprehensive nursing assessments and consequently achieve higher assignment marks than their colleagues. Relevance to clinical practice. The findings have relevance to all nurses as lifelong learning is a mandatory requirement for maintaining clinical competence and electronic learning can provide students (regardless of registration status) with the flexibility to gain access to course content at a time and place convenient to them. The role of electronic learning in promoting a more holistic nursing assessment is also discussed.