An Integrative Literature Review of Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies for Nurse Educators

Journal Club Article: Breytenbach, C., ten Ham-Baloyi, W., & Jordan, P. J. (2017). An Integrative Literature Review of Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies for Nurse EducatorsNursing Education Perspectives38(4), 193-197. 

Background

Evidence-based teaching strategies in nursing education are fundamental to promote an in-depth understanding of information. The teaching strategies of nurse educators should be based on sound evidence or best practice.

“To teach these skills, knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes, nurse educators must utilize a variety of teaching strategies that actively engage their students (Billings & Halstead, 2012).

Students, who are increasingly skilled in technology, benefit from a diversity of teaching strategies based on their needs, including experiential and active learning (Samarakoon, Fernando, & Rodrigo, 2013).”

The principles of adult learning where the strategies encourage and allow ownership for one’s own learning.

Method

Integrative literature review of sixteen studies.

Findings

Eight teaching strategies were identified:

  1. E-learning
  2. Concept mapping
  3. Internet-based learning (IBL)
  4. Web-based learning
  5. Gaming
  6. Problem-based learning (PBL)
  7. Case studies
  8. Evidence-based learning (EBL)

The following three strategies of concept mapping, IBL and EBL demonstrated the most increase in knowledge.

“Based on the findings from this review, the authors propose that multiple teaching strategies should be encouraged in a nursing curriculum to allow for the use of a set of strategies that are suitable for different learning styles and student needs.”

The authors recommend that nurse educators be trained to understand the different educational strategies and the benefits to learning that they offer to aid critical thinking, knowledge acquisition and decision making.

Conclusion

All teaching strategies enhanced the learning experience, but more research is needed. In summary a multi-modal approach to teaching and delivering content is required.

Keywords: Evidence-Based Teaching; integrative review; teaching; nurse educator.

Reference

Breytenbach, C., ten Ham-Baloyi, W., & Jordan, P. J. (2017). An Integrative Literature Review of Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies for Nurse EducatorsNursing Education Perspectives38(4), 193-197.