University engagement and collaborative learning in nursing students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Collaborative methods of learning in the university have been a successful and the main aspects of the students’ engagement. The purpose of this study was to determine university engagement and collaborative learning in nursing students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive correlation study on a total of 238 nursing students with different levels of education were asked to fill four subscales of the modified National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) tool with a total of 40 items. NSSE reliability was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha (r = 0.78). The NSSE instrument relies on a students’ self-reports tool. Data were analyzed with descriptive and analytical statistics by SPSS version 16.

Results: Means scores of university engagement in nursing students was 96.6 ± 19. 07. There was a significant positive correlation in components including active and collaborative learning (ACL) level, students’ level of academic challenge (LAC) as well as student faculty interaction (SFI), supportive campuses environment and enriching educational experiences (EEE)with total score of university engagement (P < 0. 05).

Conclusions: Findings in this study showed that university engagement level in nursing students is moderate and there is a significant association between the model of teaching and ACL, and LAC and EEE.

Key words: Collaborative learning, nursing education, nursing students, university engagement