A Descriptive Study To Assess The Learning Methods Of Nursing Students: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Background: Learning methods plays a major consideration in planning for effective and efficient instruction and learning as it is directly associated with academic performance. Understanding the learning method preferences of nursing students plays a major role in modifying the teaching learning experience thereby enhancing nursing education.

Objectives:  The objectives of the study were to assess the learning methods used by nursing students and to associate the learning methods with selected sociodemographic variables of nursing students.

Methods:  A quantitative approach was used to assess the learning methods used by students. A total of 210 undergraduate nursing students were selected were selected using systematic random sampling. A sociodemographic proforma, and the Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic (VARK) questionnaire were used to collect data in the quantitative phase. Data collection was done in separate classrooms where students filled the questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used for quantitative data analysis

Results: Majority of the students had auditory methods of learning as their first preferred learning method (51%) and visual learning (42 %) as the second preferred learning method kinesthetic learning (40%) as the third preferred method. The study results also showed that that there is a statistically significant association between year of study and the type of learning method (p=0.038), and the program type (p= 0.036)

Conclusion: Nursing students use different learning styles for understanding and comprehending. Nurse teachers need to be dynamic in using a variety of teaching strategies to create an active learning environment for nursing students.