title: Learning outcomes with visual thinking strategies in nursing education.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a need to develop innovative strategies that cultivate broad cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal skills in nursing curricula. The purpose of this project was to explore transferable skills students gained from Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS).
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 55 baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in an entry level healthy population course. The students participated in a 1h VTS session led by a trained facilitator. Data came from the group's written responses to a question about how they would use skills learned from VTS in caring for patients and in their nursing practice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Content analysis showed students perceived gaining observational, cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills from the VTS session.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  VTS is a unique teaching strategy that holds the potential to help nursing students develop a broad range of skills. Studies are needed on optimal exposure needed to develop observational, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Research is also needed on how skills gained in VTS translate to practice.
authors: Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Drive NU415W, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States. Electronic address: mmmoorma@iu.edu.
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Moorman
authors: Indiana University School of Nursing, 1033 E 3rd NU400, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States. Electronic address: Dehensel@iu.edu.
authors: Desiree
authors: D
authors: Hensel
authors: Indiana University School of Nursing, 1033 E 3rd NU409, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States. Electronic address: kidecker@iu.edu.
authors: Kim A
authors: KA
authors: Decker
authors: 1111 Middle Drive, NU E418, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States. Electronic address: klruth@iu.edu.
authors: Katie
authors: K
authors: Busby
mesh_terms: D003405:Creativity; D003479:Curriculum; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D017145:Models, Educational; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D013850:Thinking