Fun Learning: How Games Help Nursing Students

Nursing school can be tough. Students often feel stressed and find it hard to stay motivated. But what if playing games could make learning easier and more enjoyable? A recent study suggests that adding game-like features to lessons can make a big difference.

The Study

The study involved 163 third-year nursing students. They took a special course that used games to teach about normal birth and nursing care. The games were created using a model called the TOY Gamification Model.

The Results

The results were surprising:

• Students who learned with games were more motivated and paid more attention.
• Female students showed a lot of motivation.
• Male students spent more time playing digital games outside of class.

Learning Styles

The study also looked at different learning styles:

• Students who like hands-on learning (active) benefited.
• Those who prefer to think things through (reflective) also benefited.

Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution

However, not all students responded the same way. While games helped many, some might need different approaches.

Conclusion

So, can games really boost learning in nursing school? The answer seems to be yes, but it's important to consider different learning styles and preferences. Games can make learning more fun and effective, but they should be used as part of a broader approach to education.