Evaluation of self-awareness and communication techniques course in nursing education on assertiveness and self esteem

Abstract

The effect of self-awareness and communication techniques course on nursing students’ assertiveness and self-esteem was examined. The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule and Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory were used to measure assertiveness and self esteem in the second year students in a undergraduate nursing school. 79 students completed the course . The study was designed pre test-post test. Paired samples t -tests showed a significant difference between assertiveness and self esteem scores in pre-test and post-test for the students. The course lasted 14 weeks for a total of 3 hours per week. The teaching methods focus mostly on active student participation, demonstration, role play, experience and experience sharing, homework, constructive feedback, watch movie. More opportunities for these methods of education should be evaluated and, if effective, adopted into the curriculum. This study also provides a foundation on which future systematic investigation into learner-centered teaching methods for clinical skills can be based.