The Online Flipped Learning Model: Effects on Academic Achievement, Critical Thinking, and Self-Directed Learning Skills in Nursing Students

BackgroundThe online flipped learning method, an innovative learning approach, helps develop critical thinking and self-directed learning skills and increases student interest in coursework. PurposeThis study was developed to investigate the impact of a flipped learning model-based chemotherapy symptom management education course on levels of academic achievement, critical thinking, and self-directed learning skills in nursing students. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial comprised 68 students, who were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group. A traditional online learning-based training program was applied in the control group, while online flipped learning was applied in the experimental group. Each group underwent training on chemotherapy symptom management for 1 h every week for 6 weeks. The researchers evaluated the results for both groups using the Chemotherapy Symptom Management Knowledge Test, the Marmara Critical Thinking Dispositions Scale, and the Self-Directed Learning Skills Scale applied before, immediately after, and 1 month after training. The data were collected between January 2020 and July 2021. ResultsAcademic achievement (p < .001) and critical thinking dispositions increased during, immediately after, and 1 month after training (p < .001) in the experimental group, while academic achievement increased 1 month after the training (p < .001) in the control group. The degree of positive change in academic achievement in the experimental group was greater than that of the control group (p = .028). Critical thinking disposition decreased during, immediately after, and 1 month after the training (p < .001) in the control group, while no meaningful difference was found in self-directed learning skills in either group after the training (p > .05). Conclusion/Implications for PracticeThe online flipped learning model-based education program improved academic achievement and critical thinking disposition.