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Online support for medicine dosage calculations
1The Robert Gordon University, Study Support Facility, Aberdeen.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|December 16, 2006
Summary
Nursing students using online formative assessment for medicine dosage calculations successfully transferred these skills to summative assessments. Consistent engagement with the online tool correlated with improved pass rates and student confidence.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Medical Education Technology
- Formative Assessment
Background:
- Medicine dosage calculations are a critical skill for nursing students.
- Traditional teaching methods may not adequately prepare students for summative assessments.
- Online formative assessment offers a potential solution for enhancing skill acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an online formative assessment tool for medicine dosage calculations.
- To determine if nursing students can transfer skills learned through formative assessment to summative assessments.
- To assess student perceptions of the online tool's impact on their performance.
Main Methods:
- A project at Robert Gordon University provided online support for medicine dosage calculations.
- Data from 177 student participants were analyzed, focusing on 20 highly engaged students.
- The study assessed the transfer of skills from formative online assessment to summative assessment.
Main Results:
- Students who performed well in formative assessments did not require individual tuition.
- High engagement with the online formative assessment led to success in summative assessments.
- Students reported that the formative assessment aided their performance in summative assessments.
- Students making multiple attempts actively retook the assessment rather than copying answers.
Conclusions:
- Online formative assessment effectively supports nursing students in mastering medicine dosage calculations.
- Engaged use of formative online tools positively impacts summative assessment outcomes.
- Formative assessment strategies can enhance both student learning and confidence in essential clinical skills.
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