Midwifery students perceptions of using wikis in learning critical appraisal skills
Annie Lau
Robert Gordon University, UK
: J Nurs Patient Care
Abstract
The standard of pre-registration midwifery education in United Kingdom requires students to achieve competency in critical appraisal of knowledge and research evidence. Students often find learning research a challenge due to lack of utilization in practice. The study was to evaluate how wikis would enhance student collaborative learning appraisal skills. Mixed methods design was used to evaluate student participation and perception of using wikis. All final year students participated four structured wiki activities followed by face to face post wikis seminars over a 5 weeks period. Online pre-and post wiki questionnaires were used to evaluate their perception of using wikis and one focus group interviews were conducted to explore their learning experiences. All students (N=28) were invited to participate an online evaluation. A total of twenty (N=20) returned the pre-and post wiki questionnaires with overall response rate of 70%. Eight students participated in one focus group interview. 55% reported that wiki was easy to access and 65% students were clear about wiki learning activities. 40% students were comfortable to write comments on the wiki pages. There was significant difference in the students’ perception about their level of confidence in critical appraisal skills (prewikis: Mean=3.13, SD=1.59; post wikis Mean=6.00; SD=1.14, p<0.001). Qualitative findings indicated wiki group dynamics plays a key element in student participation. Non-engagement, time pressure and preferred individual learning style posted a barrier in wikis group learning. Future research warrant to explore grading of wikis contribution and associate factors in supporting collaborative learning.
Biography
Annie Lau has completed her PhD at University of Edinburgh. Her professional background is a registered Midwife and General Nurse. Currently, she is a Midwifery Lecturer at Robert Gordon University teaching Bachelor of Midwifery students and supervising Doctoral students. She has achieved a broad range of Midwifery and Nursing education experience in United Kingdom and Asia. Her research interest focuses on vulnerable women and families in Childbearing, Health Promotion and Midwifery Education. She has developed personal mastery in clinical practice workshop at the International Confederation of Midwives Congress in 2014 and NHS Grampian to promote leadership and change adaptation within midwifery workforce.
