THE USE OF ADULT LEARNING THEORIES AS A BASIS FOR CURRICULUM PLANNING IN BACCALAUREATE DEGREE NURSING CURRICULA (NEW YORK).
Contributors: State University of New York at Buffalo.
Published: 1985
Number of pages: 212
Subjects: Education, Curriculum and Instruction.
Description: The purpose of this study was to identify the degree to which adult learning theories are considered in the curriculum planning process in baccalaureate degree nursing curricula designed specifically for the "Returning Registered Nurse" and those having Registered Nurse Programs within their generic curriculums.

The theoretical framework upon which most higher education programs in nursing largely rest, is teaching of the general nursing concepts within the framework of the nursing process and the holistic health perspective, with little focus on dealing with problems typical to the experienced Returning R.N. Student. Existing curricula are grossly inadequate in meeting the needs of these returning students and the challenge of declining government resources and financial support for higher education.

The study was a descriptive one with a historical exploration of the literature pertinent to the study. The study sample consisted of nine (9) higher education institutions in Western New York that offered a National League of Nursing accredited baccalaureate degree nursing program.

The instrument used for data collection was a two part questionnaire developed by the investigator and administered to faculty Deans, and Nursing Administrators in the sample setting. The statistical measures utilized to analyze the data was percent reportings and significance testing.

The investigator believed that if educators and administrators had a clearer perception of the adult learning theories and frameworks, the reluctancy they seem to demonstrate in incorporating these theories into the curriculum planning process would considerably lessen.

It was found that baccalaureate programs in nursing that admit registered nurse students fail to provide a curriculum designed to meet the needs of the returning R.N. student.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-03, Section: A, page: 0779.

Thesis (ED.D.)--STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO, 1985.

School code: 0656.