dc.description.abstract |
One of the key responsibilities of the nurse educator is to
develop student nurses’ abilities regarding self-directed
study. Self-directed study requires inter alia, the ability to
find information, synthesis and consequent application and
integration of the information in practice.
The development of the abovementioned skills does not only
imply a multidimensional approach to the student in totality,
but also requires the meticulous involvement of the student
in her/his own learning. The latter also assumes that
students possess certain essential skills relevant to learning
and studying. From the literature it is evident that secondary
schooling in general, does not prepare students adequately
for tertiary education.
This research intended to find answers to the questions
whether student nurses require guidance regarding the development
of specifically identified study skills, the guidance
provided and whether the guidance provided was sufficient.
A descriptive survey was done in order to address the above
questions. The research instruments (questionnaires) were
completed (during 1997) by nurse educators and student
nurses in the Western Cape.
On completion of the analysis and interpretation of the data,
the researcher concluded that student nurses expressed a
need for more guidance regarding the development of basic
study skills ant that existing student support programs
did not address all these needs adequately. Furthermore, it
was concluded that the language medium of the prescribed
study material had a profound effect on the learning and
study proceses of student nurses.
Based on the conclusion, various recommendations were
made concerning different facets of the teaching/learning
event., in order to enhance students’ learning and studying
skills.
Mastery of these skills can be regarded as being important
prerequisites for effective, responsible, independent professional
practice. |
en |