Conducted in a nursing curriculum, this study explores the potential role of integrating critical reflection and case studies within professional practice degree programs. Forty-six students read a book-length case study, participated in a professional development event related to the book, questioned the book’s author in face-to-face interaction, and used the DEAL (Describe, Examine, Articulate Learning) Model for Critical Reflection (Ash & Clayton, 2009a; Ash & Clayton, 2009b). Feedback using the DEAL Model Critical Thinking Table was given to students after the first critical reflection essay, and students used that feedback to deepen their thinking in the second critical reflection essay. Analysis of the critical thinking scores on the first and second essays confirmed increases in the quality of student reasoning. Reflections also provided evidence of improved understanding of palliative care and student ownership of their own learning. Results suggested the value of enhancing the applied learning pedagogy of case studies through critical reflection.
Situational support entails promoting autonomy, control over practice, group cohesion, manager consideration, and substantive exchange. Support can reinforce nurses' coping mechanisms, preserve their integrity, and thereby promote quality patient care. Using concept clarification and case examples the authors identify support mechanisms and coping styles for nurses at work and discuss how situational support can be used to cope with stress.
This article reports the use of focus group interviews to promote the development of continuing education programs that meet the needs of advanced practice nurses (APNs). The three major needs identified were: a) enhancement of clinical practice skills and knowledge in specialty areas, b) education about future changes in the APN role, and c) education in management strategies for the changing health care delivery system. A summary of the investigation and implications for continuing nursing education departments are also presented.
Technology is becoming increasingly more important in the enhancement of educating university students. Very little research has been done regarding how the combination of educational technologies affects test scores, compared to the use of one technology alone. This research article examines whether the post-scores of nursing students increased by the type and combination of educational technology used in their instruction. By testing the use of various educational technologies and various combinations of these technologies on three different groups of learners, a pre- and post-test design was conducted to identify changes in post-test knowledge scores. Findings from this study suggest the use of combined educational technology may improve a student's ability to learn material as students in the group that used a combination of technologies scored higher on the knowledge post-test than the other groups studied.
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