Nursing faculty and student transition to a context–based learning curriculum

Abstract

Background: Context-based learning (CBL) a student-centered teaching and learning approach (STL) is used at the study site to teach undergraduate nursing theory. While it is widely accepted that transition to STL can be difficult, little is known about the perception of nursing faculty and students transition to CBL. The purpose of this study was to describe nursing faculty and students’ perception about their transition to CBL.

Methods: An exploratory-descriptive qualitative design was undertaken to understand and describe the perception of nursing faculty and students transition to CBL as a teaching and learning strategy for undergraduate nursing theory courses.

Results: Five themes emerged from the students’ data: throwing someone into an ocean, sink or swim, turning point, just doing it, and valuing. Four themes emerged from the faculty data on transition to CBL: an adaptation, trusting the CBL process, a maturing process for students, and controversies about CBL. While the transition was uncomfortable for students and faculty, over time both understood the benefits of CBL.

Conclusions: Nursing as a practice discipline will best be served using a variety of teaching and learning strategies in the undergraduate education of nursing students. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations have been made to smooth the transition for faculty members and students not previously exposed to the STL approach using CBL.