Group concept mapping for evaluation and development in nursing education. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hagell, Peter; Edfors, Ellinor; Hedin, Gita; Westergren, Albert; Hammarlund, Catharina Sjödahl
• Is Part Of: Nurse education in practice. Volume 20(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 153
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Evaluation -- Experiential learning -- Group Concept Mapping -- Mixed-methods -- Nursing education research; Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Education, Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.73071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2016.08.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-5953

Abstract

Abstract: The value of course evaluations has been debated since they frequently fail to capture the complexity of education and learning. Group Concept Mapping (GCM), a participant-centred mixed-method was explored as a tool for evaluation and development in nursing education and to better understand students' learning experiences, using data from a GCM-based evaluation of a research training assignment integrating clinical practice and research data collection within a Swedish university nursing program. Student nurses (n = 47) participated in a one-day GCM exercise. Focus group brainstorming regarding experiences from the assignment that the students considered important and instructive yielded 98 statements that were individually sorted based on their student-perceived relationships, and rated regarding their importance/instructiveness and need for development. Quantitative analysis of sort data produced a 2-dimensional map representing their conceptual relationships, and eight conceptual areas. Average cluster ratings were plotted relative to each other and provided a decision aid for development and planning by identifying areas (i.e., "Research methodology", "Patients' perspectives", and "Interviewer role") considered highly important/instructive and in high need for development. These experiences illustrate the use and potential of GCM as an interactive participant-centred approach to evaluation, planning and development in nursing and other higher health science educations. Highlights: The use of a mixed-methods evaluation approach was explored in nursing education. Group Concept Mapping was used in evaluating and developing a teaching module. Eight distinct important and instructive areas were revealed. Three areas were identified as prioritized for further development. Group Concept Mapping is useful for evaluation and development in nursing education.