Factors Influencing the Achievement of Learning Outcomes Among Nursing Students: The Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the perception factors influencing the achievement of learning outcomes (LOs) of the primary medical care practicum course (PMCPC) among the 4^th year nursing students, of the Faculty of Nursing (FON), Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), Thailand. Methods: The convergent mixed method was used having the quantitative section of a population of 107 nursing students, where data were collected using a set of questionnaires on perceptions, and the achievement of LOs; while the qualitative study has a group of 35 informants, purposively selected, comprising 20 nursing students, eight instructors, and seven preceptors, form whom the data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression while the content analysis was sued to analyze the qualitative data, concurrently to confirm the quantitative data.

Findings: The study found that more than half of nursing students (52.3%) achieved LOs of the PMCPC at a moderate level; the perceptions of nursing students and instructors also influenced the LOs achievement. Implications for Research and Practices: A continuous improvement of knowledge and professional and teaching skills of instructors may help students achieve LOs. Furthermore, the follow up of students’ self-regulation and learning management competency of instructors are very important information for the course improvement.