Abstract

The pedagogy of cognitive load theory (CLT) was used to examine student learning via simulation. The study’s framework incorporated CLT into simulation design and implementation and presented a pilot measurement tool for cognitive load experienced during simulation. A quasi-experimental quantitative design was used with a convenience sample of senior baccalaureate nursing students who participated in simulation as part of their coursework. The treatment group received a worked out modelling intervention, based in the CLT instructional intervention of the worked out example. The control group received a standard simulation intervention. Each group was given a pre and post simulation knowledge survey related to simulation content and a cognitive load survey post simulation to measure whether the worked out modelling intervention had any effect on cognitive load experienced and knowledge acquired from the simulation experience. Results suggested that students receiving the worked out modeling intervention possessed higher knowledge attainment scores specific to fall management. No significant differences were found in the level of cognitive load experienced between groups; although additional measures identified that the use of a pre simulation activity does increase germane load, which is necessary for schema construction. The findings support continued evaluation of cognitive load and it’s effect in nursing simulation outcomes. Recommendations include integration of CLT concepts into simulation design, use of pre and post knowledge tests to ascertain simulation effectiveness, continued use of a pre simulation assignment to enhance germane load, and the use of worked out modeling in some form prior to simulation with novel content.

Authors

Jayne Josephsen

Author Details

Jayne Josephsen, EdD, RN, CHPN

Sigma Membership

Unknown

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Other

Research Approach

Quantitative Research

Keywords:

Clinical Simulation, Cognitive Load Theory, Student Learning

Conference Name

INACSL Conference

Conference Host

International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL)

Conference Location

Grapevine, Texas, USA

Conference Year

2016

Rights Holder

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Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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Examination of cognitive load in nursing simulation

Grapevine, Texas, USA

The pedagogy of cognitive load theory (CLT) was used to examine student learning via simulation. The study’s framework incorporated CLT into simulation design and implementation and presented a pilot measurement tool for cognitive load experienced during simulation. A quasi-experimental quantitative design was used with a convenience sample of senior baccalaureate nursing students who participated in simulation as part of their coursework. The treatment group received a worked out modelling intervention, based in the CLT instructional intervention of the worked out example. The control group received a standard simulation intervention. Each group was given a pre and post simulation knowledge survey related to simulation content and a cognitive load survey post simulation to measure whether the worked out modelling intervention had any effect on cognitive load experienced and knowledge acquired from the simulation experience. Results suggested that students receiving the worked out modeling intervention possessed higher knowledge attainment scores specific to fall management. No significant differences were found in the level of cognitive load experienced between groups; although additional measures identified that the use of a pre simulation activity does increase germane load, which is necessary for schema construction. The findings support continued evaluation of cognitive load and it’s effect in nursing simulation outcomes. Recommendations include integration of CLT concepts into simulation design, use of pre and post knowledge tests to ascertain simulation effectiveness, continued use of a pre simulation assignment to enhance germane load, and the use of worked out modeling in some form prior to simulation with novel content.