Using writing-to-learn strategies in community college associate degree nursing programs

Abstract

This study investigated the use of writing-to-learn strategies in freshman associate degree nursing classes at Wytheville Community College, Wytheville, Virginia. It sought to determine if the use of writing-to-Iearn strategies would affect the students' achievement in the course and their critical thinking skills. The design of the study was experimental. Two groups of freshman nursing students were randomly selected and randomly assigned to either an experiment group or a control group. The experiment group used the writing-to-learn strategies. The achievement in the course was measured using teacher-developed tests. Critical thinking skills were measured using the <u>Cornell Critical Thinking Test. Level Z</u>.

The study found that the students in the experiment group achieved higher aggregate semester scores than those in the control group. The difference in mean aggregate semester scores for the two groups was statistically significant. The results of the critical thinking post-test indicated the mean scores of both groups declined, but not significantly. The mean score of the experiment group was higher, but again not significantly.

It was concluded that the use of writing-to-Iearn strategies is an effective means of improving community college nursing students' achievement The results of the critical thinking portion of the study were inconclusive.