Describes a study of nursing students that was conducted to investigate the relationship that exists between students' expressed learning style and method of instruction in terms of performance on specific criterion measures. Explains the use of Kolb's Learning Style Inventory, and suggests further research. (Author/LRW)

A curriculum for preparing nurse educators in South Africa is a process-oriented model with a core of adult learning principles, emphasis on theory and nursing practice, and an overarching concern for the development of critical- and creative-thinking skills. (SK)

A majority of 100 senior nursing students displayed low critical-thinking self-confidence scores as well as weaknesses in analytic, systematic, and inquisitive dispositions. The predominant learning styles were accommodation, diverger, and converger. (SK)

An arts and humanities course for students in a midwifery diploma program explored images and concepts of childbirth, caring, and parenthood. Evaluation showed the 20 students gained insights into human experiences that will enhance practice. (SK)

Problem-based learning has significant limits that warrant concern about its use in nursing education: it moves away from emancipatory goals of education, it implicitly supports the medical model, and it lacks the diversity required of a postmodern curriculum supporting different learning styles. (SK)

Discusses factors associated with fairness and equity in relation to student discontinuation in nursing education. Shows how discontinuation is an integral part of higher education quality reviews. Promotes pre-exit counseling, monitoring of attrition, and review of academic and professional standards. (SK)

Reviews the history of accreditation in nursing continuing education, describes the system and process, and identifies institutional characteristics needed before beginning the process. Uses the American Nurses Center Commission on Accreditation model. (Author/SK)

According to data from 474 participants in 37 continuing education programs offered over 10 years, the majority found continuing education offerings useful, stimulating them to seek further education and resulting in significant knowledge and skills acquisition. However, only 41.7% were able to implement changes in nursing education or practice.…

Survey responses from 48 of 78 doctoral programs in nursing show an increasing shift away from clinical to research emphasis and few differences in terms of admission criteria, curriculum, Carnegie classification, or length of time the program has existed. Only 12% still offer doctorates in nursing science; most have moved to Ph.D.s (SK)

This article recounts the author's counseling relationship with a client who was a nursing home resident. The article describes the client's spiritual experiences and their impact on the client and the counselor. (Author)

Student-assembled collages can be used to trigger reflective questioning and enable students to view situations from multiple perspectives. When used in clinical supervision of nursing students, they help clarify issues and develop awareness of personal values and meanings related to nursing practice. (SK)

Swedish nurse trainees (n=18) each followed a dementia patient through their training period. Themes emerged related to trainees' role as a personal guide. Creating a relationship with the patient and seeing the patient as a teacher were instructive experiences. (SK)

A survey of 754 older adults serving as ombudsmen in nursing facilities found that formal education and follow-up training enhanced efficacy. Negative initial training was the most important influence on diminished efficacy. Those with higher efficacy and more positive initial training expressed less worry. (SK)

Student Nurses in action is an interdisciplinary academic-service-research partnership model that brings health care to urban, suburban, and rural communities. A 5-year evaluation gave the program excellent ratings for cost-effectiveness, student experience, and quality of care. (SK)

Kiyo journals are periodicals published by smaller units within a large institution and are becoming popular in the Japanese academic world. Nurses might consider a similar practice to advance nursing scholarship and education. (JOW)