Keywords

Experiential Learning, Collaborative Learning, Teaching Nursing Research

 

Authors

  1. Gaffney, Mary K.

Abstract

Abstract: A collaborative, experiential learning activity was designed to develop nursing students' understanding of research concepts. Working in pairs, students determine if a candy company is filling bags with equal numbers of each candy color. Pairs receive 100 colored candies and instructions to obtain simple random, systematic, stratified, and cluster samples. Color counts from each sampling method are entered on a Google spreadsheet. During debriefing, students explore results, unexpected problems (e.g., inconsistent technique, missing candies), representativeness of samples (size, inclusion/exclusion criteria), and ethical conduct. Students develop knowledge to be better consumers of research and more capable advocates for high-quality nursing care.