Effects of cooperative learning on undergraduate nursing students: a quasi- experimental study

This study evaluated the effect of cooperative learning on the attitude, satisfaction, and performance of undergraduate nursing students enrolled in community nursing courses.

A one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design.

This study was conducted at a university in northern Taiwan. A total of 49 fourth-year nursing students were included in the study. The students' attitude toward cooperative learning was measured using the Chinese version of the Group Cooperative Learning scale at three time points: before the intervention, after the 8-week preclinical course intervention, and after a 5-week clinical practicum. Course satisfaction was evaluated using a structured survey. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine changes in attitude over time.

The students' attitude toward cooperative learning was significantly improved after the intervention (p<0.05), with continued enhancement after the clinical practicum. The rates of course satisfaction were high, indicating a positive reception of the cooperative learning format. Clinical instructors reported enhanced group dynamics and individual accountability during the community nursing practicum.

Implementing cooperative learning can help nursing educators across different cultural and institutional settings foster critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills. This study supports the global integration of cooperative learning into nursing curricula, emphasizing its role in preparing students for collaborative, patient-centered care in diverse healthcare environments.

Cooperative learning significantly benefits undergraduate nursing students by improving attitude, academic and practical performance, and course satisfaction.