Fourth International Nursing Conference: The Tipping Point: Creative Solutions to Health and Nursing Challenges, Amman - Jordan

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Research Title: 
Problem Based Learning in Critical Care Nursing Course: The Students'Experiences, A qualitative Study
Authors: 
Alkaissi A.
Country: 
Jordan
Date: 
Sat, 2012-12-01
Research Abstract: 

Background: Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy. It is a type of active learning that helps students develop effective problem solving, collaboration, and self-study skills. Project Background: The course of critical care nursing comprised of sixteen units, of four –months duration. Learning in each unit was based on one trigger case scenario along with nine fixed resource sessions designed to cover specific material linked to the triggers. Trigger work in cohort took place in six groups of up to eight students facilitated by a tutor. This was guided by the ‘Maastricht Seven Step Model’ (Matheson & Haas 2010). Student assessment in PBL was carried out on a daily basis. The daily grade students receive is based on their participation, teamwork, presentation skills, understanding of concepts based on their ability to identify relevant questions, issues and to defend their presentations, as well as their reflection journal Aim: To describe experiences of the third year nursing students in learning using the problem-based learning (PBL) style, and to explore students views on the effectiveness of PBL. Method: A qualitative research design was used. The purposive sample consisted of 48 nursing students at the level of the third year. All students were registered for critical care nursing course that extends for four months in the rate of 3 hours per week. Data collec-tion was performed using focus groups. Data was analyzed with a thematic content analy-sis. Results: fourteen sub-themes and three major themes were identified regarding the use of PBL: Problem-based learning is rewarding, problem-based learning is struggling, and environment of PBL is enabling. Conclusion: Nursing students reported positive experiences during PBL. On the other hand, students tackle some of the potential pitfalls associated with PBL. PBL can prepare students for working life by engaging them in lifelong learning strategies.