Implementation of problem-based learning in a final semester comprehensive nursing course.

Problem-based learning is a technique that is becoming increasingly popular in nursing educators in nursing education settings. In the 1980s, Knox and Mogan conducted classic studies on teacher effectiveness as rated by student nurses, graduate nurses, and faculty. They determined that nursing competence and teaching ability were highly rated by both students and faculty to "best" educators. Multiple studies utilizing problem-based teaching styles have revealed that students are highly satisfied with the results of certain characteristics, which promote student learning: self-directed learning, tutor-student interaction, and group learning. This article provides a review of the literature on problem-based learning in nursing education and specifically reviews articles utilizing the Mogan and Knox Nursing Clinical Teacher Effectiveness Inventory. Problems experienced in utilization of problem-based learning are also described.