The effectiveness of Guided Discovery Learning on the learning and satisfaction of nursing students

Introduction: Revision of the traditional teaching methods as well as employment of modern and active learning method through educational systems is tangible. Application of such methods are quite common in different scientific areas. Therefore, performing modern educational approaches such as self-directed and long-life learning such as Guided Discovery Learning (GDL) is a step toward the student-centered strategy. This study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of two teaching methods including lecture and GDL on the learning and satisfaction of nursing students.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on all nursing students (BSc. degree) at Shiraz school of nursing and midwifery (n=38). They selected "the principles and skills of nursing concepts course" for the first time. Based on demographic information, students were divided into two homogenous groups. Five 2-hour sessions of "the principles and skills of nursing concepts course" were organized with lecture method for the control group. Five 2-hour sessions of "the principles and skills of nursing concepts course" were organized with GDL method using a study guide for the case group. The satisfaction was assessed using a valid and reliable Likert scale questionnaire. Data was analyzed by t-test, paired t test, Chi-square and Man-Whitney statistical tests using SPSS 15. Results: Although there was no significant difference between two groups learning scores, the mean score of the case group was significantly higher than control group in analysis, synthesis and evaluation cognitive levels (P<0.001). The total satisfaction mean score and satisfaction in areas of “interest” and “encouragement to participation in learning” of the case group was significantly higher than control group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The higher level of learning in higher cognitive level and the preference of the students to GDL compared to lecture indicates their attention to active more modern learning methods. Student-centered learning methods by reinforcing the sense of group participation among the students motivate them to further study and enhance learning in higher levels of cognition.