Self-directed learning and professional values of nursing students

• Published in: Nurse education in practice 2020-01, Vol.42, p.102647-102647, Article 102647
• Main Authors: Lee, Sunhee, Kim, Dong Hee, Chae, Sun-Mi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Altruism; Cognitive style; Curricula; Educational Strategies; Independent study; Job satisfaction; Learning; Learning Activities; Learning Processes; Learning Strategies; Measurement; Motivation; Nurses; Nursing; Nursing care; Nursing education; Nursing Students; Path analysis; Professional development; Professional ethics; Professional identity; Professional values; Self-directed learning; Selfdirected learning; Sex differences; Socialization; Student Development; Students; Teachers; Teaching Methods; Values
• ISSN: 1471-5953; 1873-5223
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2019.102647

Professional nursing values are important concepts in developing the identity of nursing professional among nursing students. Self-directed learning as an ability can drive motivation to enhance professional nursing values and merits examination. This study aimed to examine the associations between self-directed learning and professional nursing values in nursing students. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed with a sample of 800 nursing students. The measurement tools were the Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning and Korean version of the Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised. Path analysis was used to evaluate relationships among self-directed learning, professional nursing values, and general participant characteristics. Self-directed learning had significantly positive effects on professional nursing values. Male nursing students were more likely to have higher levels of self-directed learning. Our findings suggest that self-directed learning can be an effective pedagogical method to instill and reinforce professional nursing values in nursing students. In addition, nursing educators should consider sex differences in the learning styles of nursing students. •Self-directed learning had positive effects on professional nursing values.•Satisfaction with the nursing major had positive effects on professional nursing values.•Male nursing students tended to have higher levels of self-directed learning.