A Literature Review of Research on Action Learning-based Nursing Education in South Korea

Kim, Yun Hee; Kim, Hyo Youn

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify trends of action learning based nursing education research from 2006 to 2016 and suggest directions for advancing action learning based nursing education.
METHODS
A review was made of 18 studies in nursing education reported in domestic journals. RISS 4U, KISS, DBpia, NDSL databases were searched using analysis criteria developed by the researchers. General and methodological characteristics and outcomes of action learning based nursing education were analyzed.
RESULTS
Of 18 papers, in 14 (77.8%) quantitative design was used, 16 (88.9%) were conducted in university settings, and virtual problem approach was used in 13 studies (72.2%). Writing task description was conducted in 8 studies (44.4%). Norminal group technique and logic tree were used in 6 studies (33.3%). The number of team members was 6-8 in 10 (55.6%) studies. Reflection journaling was used in 16 (88.9%) studies. Action learning was effective in improving core competency of nurses and nursing students such as problem solving ability and communication skill.
CONCLUSION
Findings indicate that action learning is a useful teaching method in nursing education even though action learning for nurses has not been actively applied. Therefore strategies to activate action learning for nurses are needed.