Structure of undergraduate adult health nursing course syllabi in selected universities from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian Territories: An exploratory quantitative study
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Abstract
Background
Course syllabi are essential tools in undergraduate nursing education, yet their structure is rarely studied.
Aim
This study examined syllabus structure, the wording and number of learning objectives, and the originality of course descriptions.
Methods
In this descriptive study, 36 online syllabi from 7 universities in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian Territories were reviewed for 7 components and 50 subcomponents. Learning objectives were examined for number and for the inclusion of vague terms. Course-description originality was assessed using iThenticate, and descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were conducted using SPSS v27.
Results
Course information (69.8%), instructor information (50%), and instructional approach (50.4%) were most frequently included, whereas grading information, policy information, and student-support resources appeared in fewer than 20% of syllabi. Skills for studying and learning were absent. Learning objectives in 49% of syllabi included vague terms (e.g., critical thinking; understanding) and were frequently excessive (13–45 per syllabus). Nonoriginal course descriptions affected 90% of syllabi.
Conclusions
Nursing syllabi demonstrated notable structural and pedagogical deficiencies, highlighting the need for evidence-based syllabus development and stronger institutional oversight.
期刊介绍:
Teaching and Learning in Nursing is the Official Journal of the National Organization of Associate Degree Nursing. The journal is dedicated to the advancement of Associate Degree Nursing education and practice, and promotes collaboration in charting the future of health care education and delivery. Topics include: - Managing Different Learning Styles - New Faculty Mentoring - Legal Issues - Research - Legislative Issues - Instructional Design Strategies - Leadership, Management Roles - Unique Funding for Programs and Faculty