Comparison of Instructional Methods: Cognitive Skills and Confidence Levels

BackgroundHigh-fidelity simulation is a teaching method that offers safety, yet provides a level of realism and participative learning not typically found in a classroom setting. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two instructional methods (traditional classroom method and high-fidelity simulator method) to teach content related to distributive shock.MethodAn experimental design was used to compare confidence and cognitive skills between two groups of randomly assigned senior nursing students enrolled in the Complex Health Course.ResultsNeither cognitive skills nor confidence levels were significantly enhanced by the use of high-fidelity simulation.ConclusionResults suggest that neither teaching strategy in isolation is effective. A combination of teaching strategies approach is recommended.