Authors: I-Ju Pan.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an experiential learning strategy on nursing students’ attitudes towards and knowledge about older people compared to lectured-based learning in Taiwan. The study was a quasi-experimental design using pre-post tests with an experiential learning group and traditional lecture group (n = 58). Data were collected across three time points (baseline, week 16, and week 20). The results indicate no significant difference between groups in attitudes or knowledge with both groups having greater knowledge following the completion of their respective gerontological nursing subject. The absence of significant improvements by the experiential learning group in comparison to the traditional lecture group suggests the need for further development of the experiential program and refinement of the research design. The results of the study do however provide important insights into culturally appropriate educational strategies for improving attitudes toward and knowledge about older people.
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