Author:
Huang Lingling,Li Xuanhua,Meng Ya,Lei Ming,Niu Yanru,Wang Shanshan,Li Rong
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Problem-solving ability has been identified as a core competence that nursing students should develop, and it plays a vital role in career development. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate factors related to problem-solving ability and the path relationships among those factors in the context of nursing students.
Objective
This study aims to identify the factors that affect problem-solving ability, and to investigate path relationships of self-directed learning ability, critical thinking ability, learning engagement, and problem-solving ability among nursing students.
Design
A cross-sectional study.
Settings
The Department of Nursing at a university located in Shanghai, China.
Sample
A total of 540 nursing students with a three-year education program were enrolled in the current study.
Methods
Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire, including general information, learning engagement, self-directed learning ability, critical thinking ability, and problem-solving ability of nursing students. Pearson’s correlations were used to explore the relationships between learning engagement, self-directed learning ability, critical thinking ability, and problem-solving ability. The path relationships were analyzed by constructing a structural equation model using AMOS software.
Results
Our results showed that learning engagement, self-directed learning ability, and critical thinking ability were positively associated with problem-solving ability. Furthermore, learning engagement did not influence problem-solving ability directly, but it affected problem-solving ability indirectly via self-directed learning ability and critical thinking ability among nursing students. Additionally, the total effects of self-directed learning (0.442) and critical thinking ability (0.581) were more prominent than learning engagement (0.361) on problem-solving ability.
Conclusions
To improve the problem-solving ability of nursing students, nursing educators should develop targeted strategies to enhance learning engagement, self-directed learning ability, and critical thinking ability.
Funder
the Shanghai Young Teachers Training Program in 2019
the Shanghai “Chenguang Plan” Program in 2019
the 12th Batch of Special Funds of Shanghai Municipal Government
the scientific research project of Shanghai Lida University in 2022
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC