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Enhancing curriculum clarity and student success using a Traffic Light System: A research case study
Victoria J Kain1, Renee Stone1, Jacqueline H Byrne2
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane (South), 4111, Australia.
Nurse Education Today
|March 19, 2026
Summary
The Traffic Light System (TLS) helps nursing students prioritize content, reducing cognitive load and improving time management. This system consistently supports academic performance and enhances learning across diverse courses.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Medical Pedagogy
- Health Sciences Curriculum Development
Background:
- Nursing and midwifery students face overwhelming course content, necessitating effective prioritization strategies.
- A Traffic Light System (TLS) was implemented to categorize content as Green (supplementary), Amber (important), and Red (critical).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the TLS's effectiveness in reducing cognitive load for nursing and midwifery students.
- To assess the TLS's impact on student time management and academic performance.
- To determine student perceptions of the TLS's usefulness in prioritizing learning materials.
Main Methods:
- A case study design was employed, analyzing TLS implementation in online neonatal care and blended Human Pathophysiology and Pharmacology courses.
- Quantitative data from 13 survey cycles (2018-2025) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and effect size (Cohen's h).
- Qualitative feedback from 338 students was thematically coded to identify perceptions of TLS usefulness.
Main Results:
- Over 80% of students across cohorts rated the TLS positively, with over 56% strongly agreeing it supported their learning.
- A small, stable effect size (h = 0.09) indicated consistent positive outcomes across different courses and time periods.
- Qualitative themes included clearer study prioritization, improved focus, ease of use, deeper engagement, and greater satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- The Traffic Light System effectively enhances curriculum clarity and reduces cognitive load for nursing and midwifery students.
- The TLS is a statistically consistent and valued tool that supports targeted, high-impact learning.
- The findings support the integration of the TLS to improve student learning experiences and outcomes in health sciences education.
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