Today, we are spotlighting Purdue University Calumet professors, Ellen Moore, DNP, RN, FNP, Associate Professor of Nursing and Gail Wegner, DNP, RN, PMICNS-BA, Associate Professor of Nursing. They were 2013 Faculty Research Grant Recipients for their proposal, “Exploring Innovative Pedagogical Practices for Implementing Evidence-Based Healthcare in an Online Registered Nurse (RN)-BS Nursing Capstone Course.” We are thrilled to share their findings in their research and thank them for participating in our Faculty Research Grant Program. Below are the abstract and introduction along with a link to the full report.

Abstract

This research study will explore and evaluate online pedagogical practices that contribute to teaching evidence-based healthcare to improve learning outcomes for the RN seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Contributions to the existing body of knowledge for online learning in a Capstone Course in Nursing and evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation will be examined. The project will contribute to the strategic educational initiatives developed between Academic Partnerships and Purdue University Calumet College of Nursing.

Introduction

The design and delivery of quality online courses is dependent on pedagogical theories and best evidence-based instructional practices. A pedagogical shift requires the course to evolve from the traditional lecture/teacher-centered format to being active/student-centered and hands-on (Bonk & Zhang, 2006; Dukes, Koorkland, & Scott, 2009) and that it demands more self-regulation (Cho, 2004)

We are now at the point to evaluate whether our pedagogical online teaching practices assisted in sustaining students’ knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy perceptions learned in Capstone Course in Nursing. Results from data analysis of course evaluations and a research study on the identification of graduates’ EBP project implementation and self-efficacy are presented. Conclusions and recommendations for educators to improve learning outcomes for online students are identified.

Click here for the final report, “Exploring Innovative Pedagogical Practices for Implementing Evidence-Based Healthcare in an Online Registered Nurse (RN)-BS Nursing Capstone Course.”