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Effects of Problem-Based Learning Strategies on Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Self-Evaluation of Their Core Competencies: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Author

Listed:
  • Yen-Chiao Angel Lu

    (Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan)

  • Shu-Hsin Lee

    (Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan)

  • Ming-Yi Hsu

    (Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan)

  • Fen-Fen Shih

    (Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan)

  • Wen-Jiuan Yen

    (Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan)

  • Cheng-Yi Huang

    (Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan)

  • Pei-Ching Li

    (Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan)

  • Ching-Yen Hung

    (Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan)

  • Hsiao-Ling Chuang

    (Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan)

  • Ching-Pyng Kuo

    (Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan)

Abstract

To respond to patients’ increasing demands and strengthen nursing professionals’ capabilities, nursing students are expected to develop problem-solving skills before they enter the workforce. Problem-based learning (PBL) is expected to provide effective simulation scenarios and realistic clinical conditions to help students achieve those learning goals. This article aims to explore the effects of PBL strategies on nursing students’ self-evaluation of core competencies. This longitudinal cohort survey study evaluated 322 nursing students attending Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan, in 2013 and 2014, where PBL teaching strategies are used in all four undergraduate years from freshman to senior. Based on their undergraduate academic levels, students were categorized into three groups- one-year PBL exposure, two-year PBL exposure, and three-year exposure. A core competency questionnaire was administered twice to ask participants to self-assess five professional competencies: learning attitude, problem identification, information analysis, execution, and life-long learning. The results showed that students with the longest exposure to PBL (Group 3) had higher self-evaluated scores for all core competencies than the other groups, except for the execution competency. The mean total competency score increased by 0.12 points between the pre-and-test. In addition, the mean score increased significantly more in Group 3 than in Groups 1 and 2. These trends were consistent for the information analysis, execution, and life-long learning competencies. In conclusion, the changes in the self-evaluated scores between groups indicate PBL strategies effectively improve nursing students’ core competencies. The longest exposure group reported higher self-evaluated core competency scores than the other groups, especially for the information analysis, execution, and life-long learning competencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Yen-Chiao Angel Lu & Shu-Hsin Lee & Ming-Yi Hsu & Fen-Fen Shih & Wen-Jiuan Yen & Cheng-Yi Huang & Pei-Ching Li & Ching-Yen Hung & Hsiao-Ling Chuang & Ching-Pyng Kuo, 2022. "Effects of Problem-Based Learning Strategies on Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Self-Evaluation of Their Core Competencies: A Longitudinal Cohort Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:23:p:15825-:d:986420
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mei Jen Chang & Ying‐Ju Chang & Shih‐Hsien Kuo & Yi‐Hsin Yang & Fan‐Hao Chou, 2011. "Relationships between critical thinking ability and nursing competence in clinical nurses," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(21‐22), pages 3224-3232, November.
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