The development of a Learning Process Methodology to increase learning outcomes and to develop 21st Century skills in the courses of Nursing care of persons with health problem II,III for nursing students

Abstract

Background: Nursing care of persons with health problems II, III are complicated subjects. There were only small number of students could pass each learning outcome evaluations. In the past, a learning process methodology was mainly through lectures. This learning process methodology could promote students’ learning skills, but not enough to help them to develop their 21^st Century skills.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine a current learning process methodology, to develop a new learning process methodology and to determine the effects of a new learning process methodology on learning outcomes and 21^st Century skills for the nursing students.

Materials and method: The present study was research and development. Participants were 135 3^rd year nursing students.  Focus group, pre-post test, and an evaluation form of information retrieval skills were used to gather the data. Percentage, mean, standard deviation, paired t-test, and thematic analysis were selected to analyse the data.

Results: Findings of an examination of current learning process methodology demonstrated that instructors, students, learning process methodologies, and classroom facilitators affected students’ learning process. Modern technologies, e-learning, line, and Kahoot, were applied to a new developed learning process methodology to help students to have better understanding about the subjects and helped them to develop their information retrieval skills and critical thinking. The results of twice trying-out a new learning process methodology revealed that students’ post-test scores were statistically significantly higher than pre-test scores at 0.01 (t=-17.078, t= -17.104, p-value < 0.001). Their information retrieval skills were in high level (x̄ = 12.38, SD = 0.71). From focus groups, the new developed learning process methodology could arouse students’ interest and motivation to the lectures. It also helped them to remember the lesson content better as they could see pictures and hear an explanation at the same time. The students had a chance to practice their analytical thinking skill while playing Kahoot game. These also relieved students’ stress from attending long lectures and could create enjoyable learning environments.    

Conclusion: A new learning process methodology significantly increases the learning outcomes of nursing students and helps them to develop their 21^st Century skills. This also changes learning paradigm shift from lecture to the new learning process methodology which is suitable for generation Y students and social change.