The use of problembased learning in Simulation Lab. How does it work?

Literature shows lack of studies on the outcome of simulation using high and low fidelity mannequins and Problem Based Learning as a didatic tool. We have evaluated a course in undergraduate Nursing integrating different aspects of essentials in Nursing by using the Logic Model. The Logic Model is a way to structure an evaluation with focus on both proces and outcome in order to develop the corse. The course is organized using Problembased Learning and Low Fidelity Mannequins as a didactic strategy. The overall objective of the course is to enhance the students ability to critically think and reflect upon their own action in a clinical setting. Our study took place at VIA University College, School of Nursing in Randers, Denmark 2011.
To explore the undergraduates experiences we used semistructured interviews as a method.
Inspired by Ricouer we analyzed the interviews. The proces of interpretation consisted of three steps: Naive reading, structural analysis and critical interpretation. The results were validated by continiously comparing each researchers interpretation of the meaningfullnes of the textunits.
The results underpin that the students ability to critically think and reflect upon and in action is not fully achieved. In spite of the intention of Problem Based Learning the students try to copy what they see using apprenticeship as a prefered learning strategy.
In general the students´experience of the course is that this is a fun and enjoyable way of learning.