An Investigation off Learning Styles of Practical and Baccalaureate Nursing Students

Incorporating the experiential learning theory into the instructional design of online courses

Online courses are designed to be asynchronous, interactive, and collaborative. Incorporating the Experiential Learning Theory into the instructional design allows courses to enhance the learning power of learners, empower learners, and challenge learners as they move through a series of planned learning cycles. The author discusses how a learning plan template was developed to facilitate development of assessment, diagnostic, and clinical decision-making skills.

Barriers and gateways: a study of nursing students' utilisation of learning support resources

Many first year nursing students require additional academic support from both their lecturers and learning resources. Anecdotal evidence at an Australian university suggested that 'at risk' students did not follow up lecturer referral. This study identified what learning resources were accessed and what factors influenced students' decisions to follow up or not to follow up lecturer referral. First-year nursing students (n =150) were surveyed towards the end of their second semester regarding their use of learning support services. Twelve students were randomly selected and interviewed regarding their use of learning support and their first year learning experience. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Results revealed learning support utilisation was related to age and publicity but unrelated to gender or culture. Older students entering through non-traditional entry modes displayed a tendency to self refer to learning support. Younger students (<25 years) often lacked effective learning strategies and were reluctant to access on-campus learning support. For all students positive on and off campus support led to positive outcomes. Faculty and learning support lecturers need to foster integration of learning support for all students and encourage peer-learning partnerships within the foundation subjects.