CONTEXT BASED SIMULATION IN NURSING EDUCATION: A STUDENT-CENTERED EXPERIENCE TOWARDS PEDAGOGICAL REFORM

This paper describes my experience of transitioning from a teacher-centered approach to a student-centered experience using case study (context based) simulation in a second year pharmacology lab for nursing students. Trialling this initiative adds to the knowledge necessary to implement pedagogical reform. A lack of enthusiasm of faculty and nursing students in pharmacology lab initiated a partnership to incorporate interactive learning. Discussions and negotiations lead faculty to suggest a case study and simulation activity challenging students’ critical thinking and ability to apply theory to practice. An integrative and innovative technological learning activity was a necessary and successful endeavour to bolster enthusiasm and learning. Integration of theoretical information from previous classes including assessment and microbiology along with theoretical concepts of pharmacogenomics, pathophysiology and disease processes was reviewed in a 20 minute presentation. A case study (context based) was introduced to reinforce the learned material and stimulate critical thinking ultimately leading to the simulation activity. Faculty experienced a greater engagement and enthusiastic interaction of nursing students during pharmacology lab. Students described positive outcomes including accountability, teamwork, sharing and applying knowledge through effective communication skills and group process, increasing their confidence and decreasing their anxiety with technical skills. Furthermore, they were able to mentor each other through the assessment processes, problem solving and critical thinking activities. Nursing education continues to face many challenges however, it is necessary to provide engaging learning opportunities for nursing students that will adequately prepare them for the complexities of the changing landscapes of the clinical environment. I realized that encouraging students to learn from and with each other helps students to positively benefit from these activities. Leading from a grass roots level, nursing education can navigate the on-going development and future direction of technology; case (context based) simulation is part of the pedagogical reform.