The Effect of Problem Based Learning Strategy on Nursing Student’s Problem Solving Abilities

Abstract

An efficient nurse requires a significant level of skills in order to overcome practical difficulties. Although most universities are trying to develop educational approaches by which practical decision-making and self-confidence are enhanced in students, nurses still find a gap between theory and practice. One suggested way to bridge the gap between education and medical practice is to change the traditional education system (lecture-based learning) into a problem-based learning (PBL) approach. This method empowers students to work through a process of actively participating in the learning process, working with peer in small groups to identify learning; and finally, integrating a variety of knowledge. Hence, nurse educators must use this approach for nursing students. This study aim was to assess the effect of PBL strategy on nursing students’ PS abilities at Technical Institute of Nursing through assessing nursing students’ PS abilities, implementing PBL strategy for nursing students, and evaluating the effect of PBL strategy on nursing student’s problem solving abilities. This one group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was carried out at Al-zahra Technical Institute of Nursing affiliated to Al-Azhar University. The sample included all 83 nursing students enrolled in the fifth year at the setting during the academic year (2017/2018). Two tools were used in data collection, namely a self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge of PBL and PS, and Student evaluation form for individual and group performance in PBL. The tools were validated by a panel of experts and their reliability tested. The fieldwork of this study was performed in the period from February to November 2018 through assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation phases. The researcher designed a PBL training program and implemented it in 12 small group sessions. A posttest was done at the end of the program implementation in addition to a follow-up assessment three months after implementing the program.