Cooperative learning and feminist pedagogy--a model for classroom instruction in nursing education.

This article reports on a research study conducted as part of a doctoral dissertation on the development of a cooperative learning teaching model in nursing education. The subjects for the study were a convenience sample of registered nurses who were pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing at an urban university. Principles of feminist pedagogy were incorporated as part of the cooperative learning model. The teacher/researcher taught two sections of the same course and, through the use of action research, developed a model for using cooperative learning strategies as the primary teaching modality. End of class and end of semester evaluations provided feedback that suggested that this was an exciting and effective alternative to traditional classroom teaching.