Experience of Problem‐Based Learning for Raising Quality of Nursing Study

Abstract

Introduction: Problem‐based learning is a teaching method that encourages critical thinking, group interaction, and application of the theory into practice. Transition to active forms of learning, with integrating problem‐solving strategies, will help to raise the quality of education. The aim of the study is to determine students’ evaluation of problem‐based learning in the study of nursing.

1. Introduction

According to the demographic changes of the population, increasing numbers of older people, the rapid changes, and innovations in the field of health care, as well as increasing numbers of people with chronic illnesses, nursing has an increasingly important role [1].

Changes in nursing require from nurses, autonomy and the ability to take relevant decisions [2], therefore, is one of the goals of nursing education to reduce the gap between theory and practice [3, 4]. For an effective transfer of theoretical knowledge into practice, changes are needed. According to Shuler [5], it is necessary to change traditional teaching into the active form of teaching. One of the active ways of learning is problem‐based learning. This is an innovative educational method [6, 7] which encourages critical thinking and group interaction and represents an advantage compared to traditional ways of teaching, because it integrates problem‐solving strategies [8]. Characteristics of problem‐based learning are student‐centered learning, learning in smaller groups and acquiring new information with self‐learning [9]. Problem‐based learning improves students’ learning and simultaneously helps with problem‐solving in everyday life [10]. With the problem‐based learning approach, the activity of learning starts with a problem that describes phenomena or events needed for understanding [11]. Simultaneously, the problem‐based learning approach activates students’ previous knowledge [6].

For a successful problem‐based learning after Munshi et al. [12], quality shaped and selected problems are key elements. Research studies [5, 13, 14] showed that information gained with problem‐solving ways of learning is preserved longer. Therefore, in the opinion of authors [13, 15–17], learning based on problem‐solving develops skills of communication, problem‐solving, teamwork, leadership, and understanding; skills that are important for smoother transition into a clinical environment.

The purpose of the study is to determine the evaluation of problem‐based learning, and the problems with which nursing students face in problem‐based learning.

1.1. Methods

A quantitative research method was used. We used a structured questionnaire containing 20 statements regarding students’ evaluation of ways of learning based on problems and demographic data (sex, age, type of study, and employment status in nursing). Students’ views on the effectiveness of problem‐based learning were assessed by using 20 items from the problem‐based learning evaluation questionnaire [17], which was partially adapted and prepared in Slovenian language. Problem‐based learning evaluation questionnaires were already used in studies [17–19]. Using the questionnaire, we evaluated five key dimensions of problem‐based learning: construction of professional knowledge, development of problem‐solving skills, development of self‐directed learning, improvement of motivation, and promotion of effective group collaboration. Each of the studied dimensions contained four items and participants responded on the five‐point Likert’s scale ranging from (1 – strongly disagree, 2 – disagree, 3 – neutral, 4 – agree to 5 – strongly agree). The instrument’s internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha was 0.80 and the test‐retest reliability with a 2‐week interval was 0.89 [17]. The Cronbach's alpha for our questionnaire was 0.953.

1.2. Sample description

The research was carried out among nursing students of the University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences. A total of 198 questionnaires were handed out, and 196 were returned which is a 98.9% response. In the research, 101 (51.5%) first‐year students and 92 (47.0%) second‐year students participated, three (1.5%) students did not state their year of study. Average age of participants was 21.2 years (ages between 19 and 42). 146 (74.5 %) participants were of full‐time study where 76 (38.7%) were first‐year students and 70 (35.8 %) were second‐year students. Forty‐seven (25.5 %) participants were of part‐time study where twenty‐five were first‐year students (12.8 %) and twenty‐two (11.2%) were second‐year students. Three (1.5%) students did not write down their type of study. Among the part‐time students only 18 students employed in nursing, but other 27 part‐time students and all full‐time students (146) are not employed in nursing. Two (1%) part‐time students did not write if they are employed in nursing or not.

1.3. Description of research procedure

Before we started to execute the research we obtained written agreements from University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences leadership and University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences Commission for Ethical Questions from the Field of Nursing Care. Based on the agreement the research was carried out in academic year 2013–2014 and academic year 2014–2015 at course nursing care of women with gynecology and obstetrics and management of hospital infections. At selected course, we started carrying out problem‐based learning in 2011.

Participants were informed with purpose and aims of the research. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Questionnaires were handed out after completing all course obligations of selected courses. Data was processed by the statistical computer program SPSS 20.0. We used descriptive statistics and t‐test to discover differences between two groups. A p‐value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

2. Results

Average values of all items regarding to the student's evaluation of problem‐based learning were very high (>4 out of 5). The lowest average value (4.06) was in item that problem situations encouraged students to continue to study on their own and the highest average values (4.54) were in item that the content of the course is useful for student's future work. Evaluation of problem‐based learning dimensions was assessed by students with average value 4.29 (4.26–4.42). The lowest average values received dimensions “development of self‐directed learning” (4.26) and “improving motivation” (4.26). The highest average value received the dimension “promotion of effective group collaboration” (4.42). Table 1 represents results of average values of evaluation of problem‐based learning.

Items for evaluation of problem‐based learning	1 Strongly disagree N(%)	2 Agree N(%)	3 Neutral N(%)	4 Agree N(%)	5 Strongly agree N(%)	Mean (SD)
The course made me use previous relevant knowledge and experience.	0(0)	3(2)	26(13)	85(44)	81(41)	4.25 (0.742)
The course helped me to interpret, analyze and apply key concepts precisely.	0(0)	4(2)	14(7)	103(54)	74(38)	4.27 (0.682)
The course furthered my in‐depth understanding of nursing knowledge.	1(1)	0(0)	14(7)	84(43)	96(48)	4.41 (0.670)
The content of the course is useful for my future work.	1(1)	1(1)	10(5)	63(32)	119(61)	4.54 (0.668)
Construction of professional knowledge						4.363 (0.561)
The problem use in the course was challenging to discuss.	0(0)	6(3)	15(8)	77(39)	97(50)	4.36 (0.756)
The course increased my ability to solve real‐world problems.	2(1)	4(2)	22(12)	82(42)	84(43)	4.25 (0.813)
The course encouraged me to consider alternatives when solving problems.	1(1)	3(2)	24(12)	78(40)	89(45)	4.29 (0.780)
The course helped me to take reasonable inferences and conclusions.	2(1)	4(2)	21(11)	72(37)	96(49)	4.31 (0.825)
Development of problem‐solving skills						4.3 (0.690)
Problem situations encouraged me to continue to study on my own.	1(1)	9(4)	37(19)	78(40)	70(36)	4.06 (0.883)
The course helped me to identify gaps in my knowledge.	1(1)	3(2)	23(12)	80(41)	88(44)	4.29 (0.773)
The course helped me improve my ability to identify a variety of resources.	2(1)	5(3)	27(14)	80(41)	81(41)	4.19 (0.745)
The course helped me to think independently.	0(0)	2(1)	15(8)	62(32)	115(59)	4.50 (0.686)
Development of self‐directed learning						4.26 (0.687)
The course encouraged me to take an active role in my learning.	1(1)	6(3)	19(10)	82(42)	87(44)	4.27 (0.801)
The course motivated me to learn more.	1(1)	8(4)	19(10)	82(42)	85(43)	4.24 (0.830)
The course stimulated my interest in learning.	3(2)	7(4)	23(12)	80(41)	82(42)	4.18 (0.889)
The course encouraged my participation through the discussion of problems.	2(1)	0(0)	20(10)	85(44)	89(45)	4.32 (0.741)
Improvement of motivation						4.26 (0.706)
The course stimulated group discussion.	2(1)	3(2)	13(6)	64(33)	113(58)	4.45 (0.774)
The course promoted open discussion of differing opinions.	1(2)	2(1)	18(9)	62(31)	111(57)	4.44 (0.748)
The course increased my ability to work effectively on a team.	2(1)	7(4)	20(10)	66(34)	100(51)	4.31 (0.871)
The course encouraged me to share what I learned with the entire group.	0(0)	3(2)	15(8)	63(32)	114(58)	4.48 (0.707)
Promotion of effective group collaboration						4.42 (0.651)

Table 1.

Results of evaluation of problem‐based learning.

With the t‐test we want to find out if there are any statistically significant differences of evaluation of five dimension of problem‐based learning regarding the type of study (full‐time/part‐time) and found out that none of the examined dimensions “construction of professional knowledge” (t = 1.194, p = 0.234), “development of problem‐solving skills” (t = 1.010, p = 0.314), “development of self‐directed learning” (t = 0.418, p = 0.676), “improvement of motivation” (t = 1.605, p = 0.110), and “promotion of effective group collaboration” (t = 0.384, p = 0.701) not show statistical significant differences (Table 2).

	Type of study	Min	Max	Mean	SD	t	p	df
Construction of professional knowledge	Full‐time	1.5	5	4.34	0.587	1.194	0.234	189
	Part‐time	3.25	5	4.45	0.464
Development of problem‐solving skills	Full‐time	1.25	5	4.27	0.704	1.010	0.314	190
	Part‐time	3.0	5	4.39	0.657
Development of self‐directed learning	Full‐time	1.5	5	4.25	0.66	0.418	0.676	188
	Part‐time	2.5	5	4.29	0.738
Improvement of motivation	Full‐time	1	5	4.2	0.717	1.605	0.110	190
	Part‐time	2.25	5	4.39	0.671
Promotion of effective group collaboration	Full‐time	2.75	5	4.43	0.629	0.384	0.701	189
	Part‐time	2	5	4.39	0.727
Evaluation of problem‐based learning	Full‐time	1.6	5	4.3	0.574	0.818	0.414	186
	Part‐time	2.85	5	4.37	0.551

Table 2.

Results of t‐test for problem‐based learning according to the type of study.

With the t‐test we also tested statistical significant differences regarding employment or unemployment in nursing and found out there are statistically significant differences of two studied dimensions, “development of problem‐solving skills” (t = 2.197, p = 0.029) and “development of self‐directed learning” (t = 4.443, p < 0.001), whereas at “promotion of effective group collaboration” (t = 1.699, p = 0.091), “improvement of motivation” (t = 1.493, p = 0.121), and “construction of professional knowledge” (t = 2.180, p = 0.052), we did not find statistical significant differences among students that are employed or not employed in nursing (Table 3).

Dimension of problem‐based learning	Employ in nursing	Min	Max	Mean	SD	t	p	df
Construction of professional knowledge	Yes	3.25	5	4.61	0.494	2.180	0.052	190
	No	1.5	5	4.34	0.564
Development of problem‐solving skills	Yes	3.75	5	4.64	0.439	2.197	0.029	191
	No	1.25	50	4.27	0.705
Development of self‐directed learning	Yes	4	5	4.68	0.381	4.443	<0.001	189
	No	1.5	5	4.21	0.688
Improvement of motivation	Yes	2.5	5	4.5	0.737	1.493	0.121	191
	No	1	5	4.22	0.700
Promotion of effective group collaboration	Yes	3.5	5	4.67	0.514	1.699	0.091	189
	No	2	5	4.39	0.662
Evaluation of problem‐based learning	Yes	3.8	5	4.62	0.394	2.377	0.018	175
	No	1.6	5	4.29	0.757

Table 3.

Results of t‐test for problem‐based learning according to employment in nursing.

Regarding to the total grade of average values for all five dimensions of problem‐based learning from the students’ point of view, we found out statistically significant differences regarding employment status (employed or not employed) in nursing (t = 2.377, p = 0.018), whereas regarding the type of study, we did not find statistical significant differences (t = 0.818, p = 0.414) at the total grade of average value for problem‐based learning. On the open‐ended question, students noted next difficulties with problem‐based learning: lack of knowledge and information, unequal participation in the group, and the difficulty in finding literature.

3. Discussion and conclusion

The research showed that average values regarding all five dimensions of problem‐based learning are high. Regarding to the average values, we determined that students recognize the meaning of problem‐based‐learning approach in effective learning, active cooperation, teamwork, improvement of communication skills, recognition of own learning needs, and transfer of theoretical knowledge into nursing practice, what was also stated as important dimensions of problem‐based learning by Yuan et al. [20] and Tseng et al. [21].

Although average values of all dimensions are high, we can agree with Luh et al. [22] regarding to the dimension “construction of professional knowledge” where they state that acquisition of professional knowledge and professional development influences students’ previous knowledge and a high degree of thinking ability. On the other hand, problem‐based learning helps students to provide professional knowledge and the thinking ability. The importance of previous knowledge and experience also indicates statistically significant difference in the average values of some dimensions of evaluation of problem‐based learning, assessed by the students employed in nursing. Despite the fact we have to explain the results with the caution, since in the group of employed students were involved only 18 students. Based on the results, we can conclude that part‐time students, who have work experiences in nursing, are more effective at problem solving and with that connected independent learning.

The difficulties of the students, which referred to those students who do not want to cooperate, or unequally cooperate with the group, and the problems of selecting participating students were already pointed by Visschers‐Pleijers et al. [23] who stated the importance of selecting a group of appropriate size. Students also identified as a problem, worse understanding of the problem, as already noted by Marentič‐Požarnik [24]. We confirmed that students with work experience in nursing are more efficient at problem‐solving and independent learning.

The research indicates the need for problem‐based learning with the goal of encouraging independent and active learning and the opportunity for students to make suggestions in the study process. Based on evaluation of teaching methods, higher education teachers can prepare improvement plans. Skinder Savić and Kaučič [25] stated that a quality course and connection of theoretical and practical starting points are key elements for achieving competencies in nursing.

We can finish with the thought that problem‐based learning stimulates in students an independent and individual study process, group work, improves work motivation, and communication skills. Problem‐based learning stimulates at students the sense for a responsible acquiring of professional knowledge and development of problem‐solving skills.