Nursing education is strongly affected by the global pandemic known as Covid-19. Coping with this pandemic and other 21st century challenges need graduates who have the ability to think creatively to solve problems. Blended Problem-Based learning is an innovative learning which allows active and flexible learning that improves students' creativity and problem-solving skills. Aim of the study: To explore the effect of applying blended problem-based learning on nursing students' creativity levels. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Setting: Faculty of Nursing, Benha University. Subject: Convenient sample of 3rd year nursing students enrolled in the academic year 2021/2022(n=240). Tools: Four tools were used for data collection; Knowledge Test about BPBL, Attitude toward BPBL Questionnaire, Perceived Effectiveness of BPBL Questionnaire and Creativity Measurement Questionnaire. Results: There was highly statistically significant improvement in mean-scores of nursing students' total creativity levels and also their total levels of knowledge, attitude, and perceived effectiveness regarding Blended Problem-Based Learning after its implementation. Additionally, there were highly statistically significant correlations among students’ total levels of knowledge, attitude, perceived effectiveness and their creativity levels. Conclusion: Implementing Blended Problem-Based Learning was indicated to be an effective educational approach to improve nursing students' creativity levels. In-addition, it showed promising results in improving nursing students' total knowledge, attitude and perceived effectiveness regarding BPBL and it could be implemented for other nursing subjects in the future. Recommendations: Blended Problem-Based Learning should be adopted as a new learning strategy for nursing students. Nursing Educators should be prepared to develop appropriate strategies for coping and engaging students in Blended Problem-Based Learning courses. |
