title: Using enquiry in learning: from vision to reality in higher education.
abstract: This paper reports on the contribution of six nurse educators to embed enquiry-led learning in a pre-registration nursing programme. Their focus was to evaluate student and facilitator perspectives of a hybrid model of problem-based learning, a form of enquiry-based learning and to focus on facilitators' perceptions of its longer-term utility with large student groups. Problem-based learning is an established learning strategy in healthcare internationally; however, insufficient evidence of its effectiveness with large groups of pre-registration students exists. Fourth Generation Evaluation was used, applying the Nominal Group Technique and Focus Group interviews, for data collection. In total, four groups representing different branches of pre-registration students (n = 121) and 15 facilitators participated. Students identified seven strengths and six areas for development related to problem-based learning. Equally, analysis of facilitators' discussions revealed several themes related to strengths and challenges. The consensus was that using enquiry aided the development of independent learning and encouraged deeper exploration of nursing and allied subject material. However, problems and frustrations were identified in relation to large numbers of groups, group dynamics, room and library resources and personal development. The implications of these findings for longer-term utility with large student groups are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Manchester, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Coupland III Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Horne
authors.forename: Kath
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Woodhead
authors.forename: Liz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Lynda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Smithies
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Megson
authors.forename: Geraldine
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lyte
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003479:Curriculum; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D017144:Focus Groups; D005639:Frustration; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D017145:Models, Educational; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom