Building life-long learning capacity in undergraduate nursing freshmen within an integrative and small group learning context

SummaryBackground ong learning involves the development of skills in critical thinking (CT), effective group process (GP), and self-directedness (SDL). Recent studies have shown that small group learning with active interactions is effective in enabling students to develop themselves as independent learners beyond graduation. With a view to integrative learning, the purpose of this study was to evaluate life-long learning outcomes through the work of small group teaching and learning for a class of undergraduate nursing freshmen during one academic year. s d-methods approach was used to evaluate the CT, GP and SDL of 99 freshmen with a self-assessment questionnaire before and after their learning activities in three nursing courses, and to identify themes from a total of six focus group interviews with the students and teachers. s , GP and SDL results obtained from self-assessment did not indicate significant differences. Four themes emerged from the qualitative analysis. sion actors contributed to the results on life-long learning skill development of students in this study. The qualitative analysis provided good insights for future teaching and learning development. sions developmental perspective, life-long learning may be better developed and evaluated over a longer period of time in the nursing program.