Abstract: A Learning Tool for Nursing: The Multiple Student Assignment Method

Abstract

Two major questions related to teaching in the clinical areas are recognized as fundamental to meaningful learning. The first, what is a satisfactory teacher: student ratio, and the second, how can the clinical resources be used effectively? In planning the curriculum, the faculty at Red Deer College felt a need to try out different approaches to teaching in the clinical areas. The multiple student assignment method was selected as an approach for learning to nurse with patients. This meant that more than one student was assigned to one patient or a group of patients. Each student had a different role -- participant, conferee, information gatherer, or observer -- caring for the patient or patients as a team. All students rotated through the four roles cyclically, in the order described above.