The effectiveness of simulation activities on the cognitive abilities of undergraduate third‐year nursing students: a randomised control trial

Abstract

This investigation confirms the effect of simulation activities on real-life clinical practice, and the comparative learning benefits with traditional clinical practice and university education remain unknown.

Serving the Developmental and Learning Needs of the 21st Century Diverse College Student Population: A Review of Literature

“…The results following participation in two simulation activities showed no significant differences in clinical decision-making abilities for any of the students with the exception of non-native English speakers (Secomb et al, 2012). The results warrant further study on simulation as an active learning technique, but also have important implications for designing instruction based on the needs of an increasingly diverse college student population, including students who are second language learners (Secomb et al, 2012). There is also a need to examine the cognitive development of diverse learners in professional preparation programs such as nursing, and teacher education.…”

“…Computer-based and other types of simulation require a large investment of time and money to develop, thus evidence of its impact is needed in order for educators to determine its effectiveness. To represent the diversity of students in most nursing programs, the sample of students included those whose first language was not English, and those who were native English speakers (Secomb et al, 2012). The results following participation in two simulation activities showed no significant differences in clinical decision-making abilities for any of the students with the exception of non-native English speakers (Secomb et al, 2012).…”

“…The hypothesis was that increased cognitive abilities can be developed through the use of simulation, and that the result would be improvement in decision making abilities in clinical situations (Secomb et al, 2012). Computer-based and other types of simulation require a large investment of time and money to develop, thus evidence of its impact is needed in order for educators to determine its effectiveness.…”

“…A specific type of active learning, simulation was the focus of a study in nursing education conducted by Secomb, McKenna and Smith (2012). The hypothesis was that increased cognitive abilities can be developed through the use of simulation, and that the result would be improvement in decision making abilities in clinical situations (Secomb et al, 2012).…”

“…To represent the diversity of students in most nursing programs, the sample of students included those whose first language was not English, and those who were native English speakers (Secomb et al, 2012). The results following participation in two simulation activities showed no significant differences in clinical decision-making abilities for any of the students with the exception of non-native English speakers (Secomb et al, 2012). The results warrant further study on simulation as an active learning technique, but also have important implications for designing instruction based on the needs of an increasingly diverse college student population, including students who are second language learners (Secomb et al, 2012).…”