Using a K-W-L Chart to Bridge the Theory-Practice Gap
1About the Authors Deborah A. Raines, PhD, EdS, RN, FAAN, ANEF, is an associate professor, University at Buffalo School of Nursing, Buffalo, New York. For more information, contact her at draines@buffalo.edu.
Abstract:
As nursing is a practice discipline, theory and practice cannot be separated. Yet nursing education is traditionally divided into two components: classroom or theory-based learning and clinical or practice-based learning. The theory-practice gap is one of the most significant issues in nursing today, given the emphasis on evidence-based practice. This article describes the use of a K-W-L chart as an approach to bridge the theory-practice gap and encourage students to become self-directed and take ownership of their knowledge.
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