Nursing Students' Experiences with Facilitator in Problem-Based Learning Class

Yang, Jin Hyang; Yang, Boksun

Abstract

PURPOSE
Problem-based learning (PBL) is now extensively utilized within contemporary nursing education. This study was done to explore the nursing students' experiences with facilitators in PBL classes as they transitioned from the first package to the fourth package during the entire sophomore year.
METHODS
Twelve nursing students who had taken the course were interviewed after PBL classes. Data were analyzed using dimensional and comparative analysis based on Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory.
RESULTS
Findings were organized into phases of participants' experiences with facilitators during PBL classes. They faced interpersonal relationship challenges with facilitators as they moved through the three phases of the continuum: feeling uneasy, overcoming the uneasiness, and valuing the help of the facilitator. In the beginning, uneasiness resulted from proximity to the facilitator. However, seven strategies were derived to respond to the uneasiness during the continuum: (a) searching for information about the facilitator, (b) making efforts to build a positive impression with the facilitator, (c) wanting facilitation, (d) weighing own experiences with facilitator against others' experiences, (e) following facilitator's guidance, (f) reflecting on facilitation experience, and (g) retaining facilitator's remarks.
CONCLUSION
Participants overcame the uneasiness and accepted the facilitator as an advisor. These results are significant in providing optimal facilitation for students in PBL classes because they are based on the PBL participants' perspectives of facilitation. Further studies related to facilitators' experiences in the PBL are recommended.