Student Perceptions of Nursing Research Following an Experiential Learning Activity

Abstract

Many undergraduate nursing students fail to appreciate the importance of research and its role in guiding practice. Education promoting nursing research is critical to guide nursing practice and to ensure patient quality and safety. Experiential learning activities may provide opportunities to move undergraduate nursing research beyond the traditional classroom setting to a more engaged learning experience. This study evaluated the student's perceptions on nursing research following an experiential learning opportunity during their senior year in a community health course. Data were collected in May 2017 from 19 nursing students via a paper-pencil survey including open ended questions. Two independent members of the research team completed content analysis. The results suggest three major themes: 1) nursing research is valuable to guide practice; 2) research requires planning and organization; and 3) patients benefit by research participation. Results of the study indicated experiential learning activities may foster student appreciation of nursing research and its role in improving patient care.

Teaching Baccalaureate Students Research Concepts Using Colored Candies

“…To increase the likelihood that students will develop a working knowledge of these concepts, an activity for baccalaureate nursing students was designed to illustrate sampling strategies, representativeness of a sample, reliability, attrition, bias, and ethical conduct. Consideration was given to the benefits of collaborative activities (Kolb, 1984) because experiential learning activities are known to foster the development of students’ understanding of abstract concepts (Hall et al, 2019). In addition, students are more engaged in their learning process when the experience is grounded in cognitive constructivist principles (Bruner, 1966).…”