Investigation Of Problem-Based Learning In Basic Nursing

Objective To compare the teaching effects of problem- based learning(PBL) with the traditional teaching methods and probe into the effect of critical thinking with applying PBL method in Basic nursing of undergraduate nursing students.Methods A research was done on four classes composed of 93 students enrolled to Qingdao University M edical College in 2006,among them,Classes 3 and 4 composed of 49 students were tested classes,while Classes 1 and 2 composed of 44 students were served as control ones.PBL was adopted to the tested classes,whereas traditional teaching method was adopted to the control classes.After research,students took the written examination and filled Watson-Glaser critical thinking appraisa(WGCTA) and the questionnaires(without signing their name) to evaluate the effects of the two methods.The questionnaire included three parts(class instructions,studying promotions and ability improvements).There were 18 items in the questionnaire.The data were analyzed by SPSS 13.0.Results(1)Results of the teaching effects questionnaires:There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of creativity ability improvements (t=1.41,p>0.05 ).The score of time reasonableness item of traditional teaching methods was higher than PBL,the differenceswere significant(t=4.98,p<0.01).The scores of the rest 16 items of problem- based learning(PBL) were higher than the traditional teaching methods,the differences were significant(t=3.77-10.52,p<0.01).(2) Results of the written examination scores:There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of elementary knowledge(t=0.093-1.027,p>0.05);but they differed greatly in essay question and case analysis(t=1.703,3.483,p<0.05) and general scores(t=1.94,p< 0.05).(3) Results of the WGCTA scores:The scores of the two groups differed greatly in general scores(t=2.45,p<0.05) and inference item and deduction item(t=1.93,2.21,p <0.05).Conclusion The teaching of problem- based learning(PBL) has more advantages than the traditional teaching methods in Basic nursing,there are three aspects: The teaching of problem- based learning(PBL) has more advantages in improving the teaching effect and teaching quality;PBL has more advantages in improving the abilities of the nursing students;PBL has more advantages in improving the critical thinking ability of the nursing students.There are some defects during the applying of PBL,the nursing educators should take more research to make better effects of PBL.