Learning outcomes in a simulation game for associate degree nursing students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Educational Psychology
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Challenges in traditional community college nursing programs.
• Need for self-paced, learner-centered educational tools.
• Importance of effective psychiatric mental health nursing instruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate learning outcomes of a psychiatric nursing simulation game.
• Assess the efficacy of simulation gaming in nursing education.
• Investigate the impact of peer teaching within the simulation.

Main Methods:

• Developed a simulation game with direct links between behavioral objectives and gameplay.
• Tested research hypotheses after game revision and trial.
• Compared learning outcomes between students who taught peers and those who were taught.

Main Results:

• Simulation gaming proved to be an effective learning modality.
• Students acting as teachers demonstrated significantly greater learning.
• The game facilitated self-paced, efficient, and learner-centered education.

Conclusions:

• Simulation games are a valuable tool for psychiatric nursing education.
• Peer teaching within simulations enhances learning outcomes.
• Further research should explore varied populations and long-term effects.