Innovative Communication Learning: Combining TED Talks and Reflective Writing for Nursing Students

Creat Nurs. 2020 Aug 1;26(3):182-188. doi: 10.1891/CRNR-D-19-00056.

Abstract

Background: As educational programs compete with online and open courseware, TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) Talks provide meaningful complementary content that can be easily integrated into curricula.

Purpose: Evaluate an innovative approach to the standard lecture by combining media mixture with reflective writing.

Methods: Undergraduate nursing students were asked to view a TED Talk and write a brief narrative reflection as part of their preparation for a communication class.

Results: The video and reflective writing assignment were completed by 23/25 (92%) of students. Qualitative analysis of the reflective writing identified three primary themes: Communication as a Foundational Competency, Importance of Empathy, and Professional Role Development.

Conclusion: This illustrative talk and narrative exercise provided an interactive learning experience for novice nurses that served as a compelling means to critically reflect on effective health-care communication skills, prior to entry into practice.

Keywords: communication; flipped classroom; lecture; nursing students; qualitative research.

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Curriculum
  • Diffusion of Innovation
  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / methods*
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Models, Educational
  • Qualitative Research
  • Video Recording*
  • Writing*