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The Effect of Previous Life Experience on Cognitive Structure Changes and Knowledge Acquisition of Nursing Theory and Clinical Skills in Nontraditional Nursing Students

Meinert, Pamela A.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1216647879

Abstract Details

2008, PHD, Kent State University, College of Education, Health, and Human Services / Department of Educational Foundations and Special Services.
This mixed methods research study used a natural inquiry approach to investigate the effects of previous life experience on learning in nontraditional nursing students. A moderate, positive correlation suggested that academic ability was related to theory course grades without regard to the amount of previous life experience. The theme of Dimensions of Role Transition contained interpersonal and intrapersonal changes in relationships with peers, faculty, patients and within themselves. Strong caring feelings, high personal expectations, reality shock and personal conflict were components of the nontraditional students’ transition to nursing. The instrumental role of the faculty was a recurring theme in the student’s ability to adapt or reconcile their life experiences with learning in the classroom and clinical experience. The theme of Cognitive Restructuring identified knowledge conflict, cognitive resistance, and affective qualities as aspects of the integration of new knowledge into existing cognitive structures. Nontraditional nursing students bring a lifetime of previous life experience which can be a rich avenue for faculty to support knowledge acquisition and conceptual change. These students have unique responses to learning which should to be identified and understood by faculty in order to foster their educational development.
Averil Mcclelland, PhD (Committee Co-Chair)
Christopher Was, PhD (Committee Co-Chair)
167 p.
Educational Psychology
nursing education; nontraditional nursing students; nontraditional students; adult learners; cognitive structure changes; life experience; knowledge acquisition; learning; cognition

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Meinert, P. A. (2008). The Effect of Previous Life Experience on Cognitive Structure Changes and Knowledge Acquisition of Nursing Theory and Clinical Skills in Nontraditional Nursing Students [Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1216647879

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Meinert, Pamela. The Effect of Previous Life Experience on Cognitive Structure Changes and Knowledge Acquisition of Nursing Theory and Clinical Skills in Nontraditional Nursing Students. 2008. Kent State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1216647879.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Meinert, Pamela. "The Effect of Previous Life Experience on Cognitive Structure Changes and Knowledge Acquisition of Nursing Theory and Clinical Skills in Nontraditional Nursing Students." Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1216647879

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1216647879
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© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.