ERIC Number: EJ1137259
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1675-8110
EISSN: N/A
Enhancing Higher Order Thinking Skills through Clinical Simulation
Varutharaju, Elengovan; Ratnavadivel, Nagendralingan
Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, v11 p75-100 2014
Purpose: The study aimed to explore, describe and analyse the design and implementation of clinical simulation as a pedagogical tool in bridging the deficiency of higher order thinking skills among para-medical students, and to make recommendations on incorporating clinical simulation as a pedagogical tool to enhance thinking skills and align the curriculum. Methodology: A qualitative approach using interpretative-descriptive case study design was utilized in framing the research study. Purposive sampling was used to select 20 final year paramedical students and five teaching staff who participated in this study. Data was collected through direct and participant observation, interviews and document analysis. Thematic analysis using Stake's Countenance Model was utilized to analyse and present the findings. Findings: On the basis of these analyses, the study supports that (i) clinical simulation facilitates the infusion of higher order thinking skills; (ii) clinical simulation that uses thinking pedagogy nurtures the development of higher order thinking skills; and (iii) clinical simulation uses higher order thinking modality to promote, understand and transfer learning. While facilitators play a crucial role in engaging learners with higher order thinking modality and make students' thinking visible by utilizing the use of metacognition and self-regulation abilities, learners become more autonomous, strategic and motivated to apply effort and strategies in a variety of meaningful contexts. Significance: The findings of this study can assist curriculum managers, college administrators and educators regarding the inclusion of clinical simulation as an instructional approach to enhance higher order thinking skills among para-medical students.
Descriptors: Thinking Skills, Simulation, Simulated Environment, Computer Simulation, Teaching Methods, Undergraduate Students, Medical Students, Data Collection, Participant Observation, Semi Structured Interviews, Focus Groups, Case Studies, Documentation, Data Analysis, Problem Based Learning, Constructivism (Learning), Protocol Analysis, Qualitative Research
Universiti Utara Malaysia Press. UUM Press, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 08010 UUM Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia. Tel: +60-4-928-4816; Fax: +60-4-928-4792; e-mail: uumpress@uum.edu.my; Web site: http://mjli.uum.edu.my/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A