Undergraduate Student Stress, Classroom Engagement, and Self-Directed Learning Postcurricular Revision

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Curricular revision is a strategy to enhance student success in nursing programs.
• Implementing significant curriculum changes alongside active learning strategies may impact student well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine student stress, engagement, and self-directed learning in junior-level nursing students.
• To assess the impact of a new curriculum and active learning methods on these variables.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive correlational study design.
• Convenience sample of 164 junior-level nursing students.
• Data collected after curriculum transition to active learning.

Main Results:

• Students reported moderate levels of stress.
• Stress levels were found to negatively correlate with classroom engagement and self-directed learning.
• Certain demographic variables influenced the outcome variables.

Conclusions:

• Interventions for stress reduction and self-care are crucial for nursing students.
• Faculty and curriculum committees should consider academic burden when restructuring curricula.
• Balancing curriculum innovation with student well-being is essential for promoting success.