title: Theory: basis for the study and practice of nursing education.
abstract: The theoretical base for nursing education is described as a hierarchy made up of nursing's metaparadigm, conceptual models, and theories. The types of theories needed for the practice of nursing education and the research methods used to develop these theories are discussed. Criteria to be met by a theory before it may be used in nursing education practice are identified.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fawcett
mesh_terms: D003071:Cognition; D004506:Education, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012106:Research