Learning Management Guidelines for Using PBL with Nursing Students

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of solving an open-ended problem found in trigger material. The PBL process does not focus on problem solving with a defined solution, but it allows for the development of other desirable skills and attributes. This includes knowledge acquisition, enhanced group collaboration and communication. The PBL process was developed for medical education. It is therefore a suitable teaching method for nursing students to learn how to be a knowledgeable worker and a learning person. Nursing students must develop skills such as critical thinking, communication, adaptation, acceptance of patients’ feelings, and working together with others in a healthcare team as well as nursing care based on caring principles. Teachers should have proper knowledge and understanding of PBL, in order to reach the highest learning achievements. This article aims to present learning management guidelines for using PBL with nursing students. Guidelines have 3 phases, including: 1) phase of preparation, 2) phase of PBL consisting of 7 steps, 3) phase of evaluation of PBL, using authentic assessment and systematic observation. These learning management guidelines for using PBL with nursing students include preparation material for teachers and students, and learning resources. They also include continuous learning activities to develop critical thinking learning, which leads to lifelong learning.