Linda Burke

‘They had a way of helping that actually helped’: a case study of a peer-assisted learning scheme

The Department of English Literature at Kingston University piloted an innovative Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) programme as part of a two-year pilot project funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for Englands (HEFCE) Widening Participation Fund. The project aimed to enable first-year students to develop academic writing skills related to a specific level-one module. Part of the evaluation involved undertaking a student survey to determine students perceptions of how PAL contributed to their writing skills and their ability to critique their own writing. Findings from the survey indicate that the PAL programme had a positive impact on students perceptions of their learning in four areas: clarification of new knowledge; development of assessment (writing) skills; reduction in feelings of intimidation; and the creation of a safe environment for learning. Assessment results are also discussed. However, the most important findings were that the results support constructivist and situated learning theories about how students create meaning, and that, in the specific area of writing skills, successful students are better equipped and better placed than lecturers to pass on these skills to novice students in a peer-facilitated environment. The data supports to conclusion that, in this study, PAL enables them to become better learners.

Implementation and evaluation of peer assessment of clinical skills for first year student nurses

Enabling student nurses to learn and develop evidence-based clinical skills is the cornerstone of nursing education programmes. This article describes the implementation of a peer assessment scheme for clinical skills within a skills laboratory in a university school of nursing, and the link between peer assessment and clinical skills development. This was a qualitative evaluative study that used questionnaires for data collection and was undertaken on one cohort of students. Findings showed that nearly half of all the statements made by students were about the positive impact of PACS on their skills learning. Students identified giving and receiving peer feedback, reflection and working with peers in small groups as being particularly valuable in clinical skills learning. Increased confidence was also a dominant finding as was the value of repeated practice in a simulation setting on skills development. This study supports some of the previous literature related to use of simulation and peer assessment but the discussion presented in this article also highlights that the findings of this study contradicts other findings in the literature. What makes this study unique is its contribution to the literature is the link that was established by students between the peer-assessment process and clinical skills learning.

The future of the specialist nurse teacher: two different models explored

The demand for more specialised nurse educators is increasing, yet the nature and direction of this specialisation remains unclear. In this paper the strengths and limitations of two different models are evaluated focusing on the organisation and management of education, integration of theory with practice, the skill of teaching itself and the implications for clinical practice.

Using simulation in a vocational programme: does the method support the theory?

Use of simulation is well established as a way of learning and assessing skills in vocational disciplines. In many institutions the use of simulation with student nurses is being tested as a way of helping them learn clinical skills, problem‐solving, clinical assessment and decision‐making. This paper explores the value of simulation as a learning tool through the presentation of findings from an evaluative research project into the use of simulation in nursing education. The focus of this paper is how students perceive that simulations help them learn and suggests that simulation may play a part in how students perceive learning that is meaningful to them. A literature review on the use of simulation is presented together with literature related to the learning theory that underpins simulation. The methodology, data collection and findings of the evaluative study are then presented followed by a discussion of the findings. Although the original research did not set out to examine how students perceived that simulations influenced their learning, the analysis indicated that this was a significant issue for them. Conclusions are drawn about how learning theory and simulation can be brought together to enhance student learning.

Student retention in higher education: what role for virtual learning environments?

Ways in which aspects of the student experience associated with first‐year retention at university are likely to be influenced by the use of virtual learning environments (VLEs) are explored here through structured interviews with academic staff and students at one institution (Kingston University). This research finds that some assumptions made about the value of VLEs in aiding communication between students and providing flexibility in modes of learning are not supported, but that retention is likely to be aided by the ways in which they can enhance confidence and provide a sense of control and ownership. The findings also indicate that students tend to be more positive than staff about the role of the VLE in enhancing their overall performance and experience and as such provide an impetus for further developments with the expectation of improved student retention, performance and satisfaction.

Providing learning support to nursing students: a study of two universities.

In universities where significant numbers of nursing students come from non-traditional backgrounds, and where an equally significant proportion of students have English as a second language, provision of learning support is essential to ensure success and progression, and to prevent attrition. This paper presents an evaluative study of the support services provided to undergraduate nursing students in two universities in the United Kingdom (UK). Both universities have significant numbers of students from non-traditional backgrounds and who have English as a second language, and both institutions have in place a large array of student support mechanisms. The aims of the study were to identify all existing student support mechanisms across the two universities, to illuminate the profile of students who enter pre-registration programmes at the two universities (age, gender, educational background) and to measure the perceptions of students of the use and usefulness of the support mechanisms provided by their university. Survey method evaluative research was the chosen research approach. Findings showed that the support services that appear to have the greatest impact on student success in their nursing programme are the programme leaders/module teachers, small study skills groups (known as APPL and L2L) and, for the 50% of students who required it, academic literacy and numeracy support sessions. For students who have English as a second language and with non-traditional entry qualifications, numeracy and academic literacy support is particularly valued.

Promoting Social and Academic Integration into Higher Education by First-Year Student Nurses: The APPL Project.

The Academic, Personal and Professional Learning (APPL) model of support for student nurses was developed and implemented as a pilot project in the Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences of a university in response to a number of internal and external drivers. The common theme across these drivers was the enhancement of the social, academic and professional integration of students into the university and the nursing profession. This article describes the APPL model and presents the findings of an evaluative research study of the pilot that was undertaken during 2006–2007. This is a unique study for two reasons. First, the evaluative study employed a rarely used research approach in education – Appreciative Inquiry (Ai); and second, the APPL project set out to promote academic and social integration in first‐year students by bringing together academic, professional and personal support, and peer learning. The intention was to explore the research question: What is the impact of the APPL groups on students and their learning? The findings of the research are presented and discussed, conclusions drawn and recommendations made. The research design was that of a descriptive case study. Multi‐modal data‐collection methods were employed and qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed from students (n=73). Methods included a questionnaire and a focus group. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS; qualitative data were analysed using an adaptation of the Framework Method. The APPL group meetings are perceived by students to have a positive impact on their social, academic and professional integration into university. A number of recommendations are made to enhance and embed the APPL model in the wider model of student support.

Students' Perceptions of Foundation Degrees.

In 2008 there were 87,339 people enrolled on foundation degrees (FDs) in the UK (Foundation Degree Forward, 2009), and educational institutions in the UK offered 1700 different foundation degrees in over 25 subjects, with nearly 900 more in development (Action on Access, 2010). In addition, student views are seen to be of importance, as demonstrated by the National Student Survey and the notion of the student as consumer. This paper reports on a study of the views of students undertaking FDs in one university. A mixed-methods evaluation approach was used. Data were collected from students through questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. This was an ambitious project that yielded a vast amount and range of qualitative and quantitative data across multiple cohorts of seven different foundation degrees. Overall, students’ perceptions are positive, although some findings vary from one foundation degree to another. Across all subjects, students were agreed on their positive rating on five of the key elements of FDs. There was also agreement that employers did not, on the whole, value the foundation degree qualification. This paper presents the findings of this study and conclusions are drawn that add to the literature about FDs that will be of relevance to those involved in the development and delivery of FDs.

Enhancing the employability of newly qualified nurses: a pilot study

Vocationally based higher education programmes are meant to prepare people for employment in their chosen fields of study. In nursing, historically, employment after qualifying has been almost assured, with sufficient vacancies available for newly qualified nurses. Recently, however, for a number of reasons, primarily related to economic conditions, it is more difficult for newly qualified nurses to gain employment when they have finished their university programmes. One university has recognised this problem and has provided full‐day programmes, known as ‘Enhanced Employability Events’, for newly qualified nurses to enable them to further develop the skills required to apply for posts, improve their interview technique and succeed at additional tests and activities related to gaining employment as nurses. This article presents the findings of an evaluative research study into these employability events in terms of which aspects of the events were most valued by participants, and into the outcome of attending these events in terms of success at gaining employment. The article is relevant to the work of all teachers who are involved in preparing students from any vocational programme of study for employment in their field.

The effectiveness of clinical supervision for a group of ward managers based in a district general hospital: an evaluative study

AIM To present an evaluative audit assessing the effectiveness of clinical supervision for ward managers. BACKGROUND A year-long project to introduce clinical supervision to ward managers was implemented and evaluated. The objectives were to evaluate staff perceptions of implementing clinical supervision and determine its outcomes. METHOD An audit evaluation process was used. RESULTS Findings are presented against perceptions, implementation and reported outcomes of clinical supervision. Insights were gained into its relevance and importance to nurses and the organisation. Findings show that clinical supervision was perceived to be effective and helped improve patient care, but some feared it becoming a form of managerial control. CONCLUSIONS Ward managers perceived advantages for personal and professional development from adopting this process. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT There is a need for greater understanding of clinical supervision before Trusts implement it. The introduction of a resource pack for clinical areas would also be of value. Finally, there needs to be a named person who has a special knowledge of clinical supervision to act as a champion and change agent in effecting implementation at both the executive level and within each clinical area.davis c. & burke l. (2011) Journal of Nursing Management 20, 782–793 The effectiveness of clinical supervision for a group of ward managers based in a district general hospital: an evaluative study Aim  To present an evaluative audit assessing the effectiveness of clinical supervision for ward managers. Background  A year-long project to introduce clinical supervision to ward managers was implemented and evaluated. The objectives were to evaluate staff perceptions of implementing clinical supervision and determine its outcomes. Method  An audit evaluation process was used. Results  Findings are presented against perceptions, implementation and reported outcomes of clinical supervision. Insights were gained into its relevance and importance to nurses and the organisation. Findings show that clinical supervision was perceived to be effective and helped improve patient care, but some feared it becoming a form of managerial control. Conclusions  Ward managers perceived advantages for personal and professional development from adopting this process. Implications for Nursing Management  There is a need for greater understanding of clinical supervision before Trusts implement it. The introduction of a resource pack for clinical areas would also be of value. Finally, there needs to be a named person who has a special knowledge of clinical supervision to act as a champion and change agent in effecting implementation at both the executive level and within each clinical area.