Active learning improves nursing student clinical performance in an academic institution in Macao

Objective

To assess the outcome of the application of active learning during practicum among nursing students using clinical assessment and evaluation scores as a measurement.

Methods

Nursing students were instructed on the basics of active learning prior to the initiation of their clinical experience. The participants were divided into 5 groups of nursing students (n = 56) across three levels (years 2–4) in a public academic institute of a bachelor degree program in Macao. Final clinical evaluation was averaged and compared between groups with and without intervention.

Results

These nursing students were given higher appraisals in verbal and written comments than previous students without intervention. The groups with the invention achieved higher clinical assessment and evaluation scores on average than comparable groups without the active learning intervention. One group of sophomore nursing students (year 2) did not receive as high of evaluations as the other groups, receiving an average score of above 80.

Conclusions

Nursing students must engage in active learning to demonstrate that they are willing to gain knowledge of theory, nursing skills and communication skills during the clinical practicum.