Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice: Applying Problem based Learning Strategy to Improve Nursing Students’ Achievement

Abstract

Background: There is now a rapid shift in the education process from teacher centered learning to student centered learning to achieve the intended learning outcome. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of applying problem-based learning strategy versus traditional learning strategy (control group) on improving the nursing students’ achievement. Subjects and Method: Design: A quasi-experimental design was used. Subjects and setting: All the 112 students at 4 th levels, who studied the course of nursing administration at Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University and were assigned to problem-based learning and control group. Data collection methods: 3 structured questionnaires were used; Socio-demographic characteristics, critical thinking skills test, clinical learning environment structured questionnaire. Course outcomes measurement report was used to assess the students’ academic achievement Results: the mean score of critical thinking and clinical area satisfaction among problem-based learning group are significantly higher than the control group (p= 0.0001 and 0.001) respectively. The mean percentage of achieving the course learning out comes (skills and values) at problem-based learning group are significantly higher than the control group (p <0.05). Conclusion: The study results concluded that the problem-based learning approach had significant impact on improving the critical thinking skills, clinical area satisfaction