A study of the learning strategies of metacognition, metamotivation, metamemory, critical thinking, and resource management of nursing students on a regional campus of a large Midwestern university

The research study regarding learning strategies of nursing students incorporated a descriptive correlational action research design. This study examined the differences between associate and baccalaureate degree nursing students regarding each of the learning strategies of metacognition, metamotivation, metamemory, critical thinking, and resource management.Data were collected from 34 associate degree and 19 baccalaureate degree nursing students on a regional campus of a large Midwestern University in the United States. The demographic variables of age, gender, previous college degree, health care experience, other work experience, marital status, type of residence, location of residence, and grade point average were gathered. The demographic data of GPA and age were correlated with the learning strategies of metacognition, metamotivation, metamemory, critical thinking, and resource management as measured by the SKILLS (Self-Knowledge Inventory of Lifelong Learning Strategies) instrument modified with nursing contexts. Finally, an analysis of variance was used among the learning strategies and among the associate and baccalaureate degree student nurses' utilization of the learning strategies.Findings demonstrated that the associate degree students used metamotivation learning strategies more than the baccalaureate degree students did. Those pursuing an associate degree in nursing used the metacognition strategy more than they used either resource management or critical thinking. Finally, baccalaureate degree students used metacognition more than metamotivation, critical thinking, or resource management and memory more than they used the motivation learning strategy.Conclusions regarding less metamotivation of the baccalaureate students versus associate degree students' supported the literature equating intrinsic values with motivation. Another conclusion might be that associate degree students were pursuing a nursing degree to solve an acute problem in their life. The finding that metacognition was used more than the other strategies by the participants supports previous literature regarding the central role metacognition plays in education.Recommendations based on the findings included media campaigns and K- 12 programs addressing altruistic values. Other recommendations included methods that could be utilized by nursing instructors to promote each of the learning strategies. Recommendations for further research included the use of larger samples, longitudinal studies, and a comprehensive qualitative component.Department of Educational LeadershipThesis (D. Ed.