Abstract
The importance of active learning has continued to increase in Japan. The authors conducted classes for first-year students who entered the nursing program using the problem-based learning method which is a kind of active learning. Students discussed social topics in classes. The purposes of this study were to analyze the post-class essay, describe logical and critical thinking after attended a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) course. The authors used Mayring’s methodology for qualitative content analysis and text mining. In the description about the skills required to resolve social issues, seven categories were extracted: (recognition of diverse social issues), (attitudes about resolving social issues), (discerning the root cause), (multi-lateral information processing skills), (making a path to resolve issues), (processivity in dealing with issues), and (reflecting). In the description about communication, five categories were extracted: (simple statement), (robust theories), (respecting the opponent), (communication skills), and (attractive presentations). As the result of text mining, the words extracted more than 100 times included “issue,” “society,” “resolve,” “myself,” “ability,” “opinion,” and “information.” Education using PBL could be an effective means of improving skills that students described, and communication in general. Some students felt difficulty of communication resulting from characteristics of Japanese.
Highlights
Active learning is defined as an educational activity that requires students to have first-hand experience and to think for themselves about their actions [1]
The answers to the question “What do you need to do in order to clearly convey your thoughts and opinions to others?” suggested that students broadly recognized the importance of theory and communication skills
After Problem-Based Learning (PBL), using various social issues as themes, students discussed the importance of developing ethics, information literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills
Summary
Active learning is defined as an educational activity that requires students to have first-hand experience and to think for themselves about their actions [1]. Active learning was first introduced in Japan in the 1990s, and its importance in university education has continued to increase [2,3]. Because Japan had seen a diversification of values stemming from societal changes. We all need the ability to collect information, accept variable values, judge subjectively, and resolve issues with other people. From this point of view, it is important for each person to develop the skills to examine issues from various perspectives [4]. According to “The Occupational Consciousness and Knowledge, Essential Abilities and Skills for College
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