Using a strengths model to build an on-line nursing education program

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Online Learning
• Higher Education

Background:

• Academia faces challenges in the online environment.
• Engaging online students for timely graduation is a key concern.
• Developing effective online doctoral programs requires innovative approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an online doctoral nursing program based on a strengths model.
• To identify key strengths that contribute to student success in doctoral studies.
• To foster a positive learning environment and teacher-learner dynamic.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a strengths model as the foundation for program development.
• Administered strengths assessments to incoming doctoral students.
• Implemented a positive feedback methodology using online discussions.

Main Results:

• Identified 'learner,' 'achiever,' 'input,' 'connectedness,' and 'responsibility' as optimal strengths.
• The strengths model fostered a positive learning environment.
• Faculty focused on student strengths rather than challenges.

Conclusions:

• A strengths-based approach is effective for online doctoral nursing programs.
• Focusing on student strengths enhances engagement and academic success.
• This model supports a positive and effective teacher-learner dynamic in online education.