Views of students on the use of crossword and word search puzzle as a teaching technique in nursing education: A mixed-method study

Abstract

BackgroundThe use of puzzles in education helps to improve, consolidate and ensure the permanence of the learned information and increases the motivation of students toward the lesson. ObjectivesThis study was conducted to determine the views of nursing students on crossword and word search puzzles used within the scope of the course. DesignA descriptive and qualitative design mixed-method study. SettingDepartment of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey. ParticipantsA total of 96 students who agreed to participate in the study and completed all the puzzles were included in the quantitative phase of the study while 21 students who were assigned to the focus groups by simple randomization method participated in the qualitative phase. MethodsIn the study, 3 different puzzle booklets (2 word search puzzles, 2 crosswords, a total of 4 puzzles) were applied to the students four weeks apart during the semester. The data of the descriptive phase of the study were collected with the personal information form. In the qualitative phase of the study, two focus group meetings were conducted and the obtained statements were evaluated using the thematic analysis method. ResultsThe students stated that the puzzles included what they needed to learn in the lesson, that they have learned useful information and that they understood the topics they needed to learn in the lesson. Four categories were determined as a result of the qualitative phase of the study: the feelings you get while solving a puzzle, the puzzle with its advantages, the puzzle with its difficulties, and the skills I have developed. ConclusionsThe students stated that they recommend the use of puzzles, that lessons become entertaining, learning becomes easier, their motivation increases and that puzzles provide the memorability of information.