Assessment Self Test As Strategy In Nursing Using Self-Assessment Tests as a Strategy for Creativity in Nursing Education
Incorporating creative strategies into nursing education is essential for fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—key skills in the ever-evolving healthcare environment. Self-assessment tests, or quizzes, are a simple yet effective strategy that can stimulate creativity, encourage teamwork, and develop flexibility in learners. These tests provide students with a unique approach to self-evaluation, helping them recognize their strengths and areas for improvement in a low-pressure setting.
Using Self-Assessment Tests to Foster Creativity in Nursing Education
1. Self-Assessment to Gauge Creativity in Nursing Education
This strategy is most effective when students arrive at staggered times, such as during a registration period or when some students arrive late. Self-assessment tests are a useful way to keep the class engaged while waiting for all participants. The quiz provided may not always relate directly to the subject matter but instead aims to spark creativity and promote thinking outside the box.
For example, a quiz might be distributed asking seemingly simple but thought-provoking questions designed to encourage creative thinking. These quizzes help break the ice and get students into the right mindset for learning. A self-assessment quiz is particularly useful in nursing education, as creativity and problem-solving are essential components in patient care and critical decision-making.
Example of the Strategy at Work:
A creativity-focused quiz could include questions such as:
- How do you put a giraffe in the refrigerator?
Answer: Open the door, put the giraffe inside, and close the door. - How do you put an elephant in the refrigerator?
Answer: Open the door, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant, and close the door. - The Lion King is hosting a party. All the animals attend except one. Which animal doesn’t attend?
Answer: The elephant, because it’s in the refrigerator. - You need to cross a river known to be filled with crocodiles. How do you get across?
Answer: Simply wade across. All the crocodiles are at the Lion King’s party.
This light-hearted activity encourages students to think outside conventional frameworks and fosters a sense of openness to new ideas.
2. The Role of Self-Assessments in Evaluating Creativity in Nursing Education
Self-assessment tests not only break the ice but also serve as an effective tool to evaluate creativity, inquisitiveness, and the development of team spirit among nursing students. Creativity in nursing is a habit that can be cultivated, not an innate trait. Through self-assessment quizzes, students can gain insight into their thought processes, learn to approach problems from multiple perspectives, and realize the importance of creativity in their future roles.
Furthermore, quizzes can be used to hone test-taking skills, helping students pay close attention to details. For instance, many students might misread a question by confusing names like “Moses” with “Noah.” These subtle challenges encourage careful reading and comprehension, essential skills in nursing where accuracy is paramount.
In a study by Froman and Owen, a similar quiz was used in teaching research methods. The quiz, titled “Logico-Perceptual Thinking: A Test for Intelligence,” aimed to initiate discussions about the appropriate use of quiz results in evaluations, performance assessments, and rewards. This not only sparked interest in creativity but also highlighted the importance of using measurement tools within their intended scope.
3. Characteristics of a Creativity Quiz for Nursing Education
Self-assessment quizzes can be administered in pairs or small groups, encouraging teamwork and peer learning. These quizzes can:
- Stimulate Creative Thinking: The quiz helps reinforce the idea that flexibility and adaptability are crucial in nursing, particularly in problem-solving and decision-making.
- Enhance Team Spirit: By working in pairs or teams, students learn to collaborate effectively, which mirrors the team-based environment of nursing practice.
- Build Confidence: As students work through the quiz, they gain confidence in their ability to approach problems creatively and without fear of making mistakes.
Example of the Strategy in Use:
A colleague used this self-test in a publishing workshop, emphasizing the need for creativity and flexibility. The students were presented with questions such as, “How do you put a giraffe in the refrigerator?” and worked in pairs to solve the problems. This exercise encouraged students to view publishing and writing as less daunting tasks, ultimately boosting their confidence and creativity.
Creative Use of Props and Toys to Enhance Learning in Nursing
In addition to quizzes, props, toys, and small prizes can also enhance creativity in nursing education. These items serve as visual and tactile learning aids, helping students connect abstract concepts with real-world applications. For example, in a class on stress management, students might be given Chinese finger traps to illustrate the concept of tension—demonstrating that the harder one pulls, the tighter the trap becomes. This leads to a discussion on how relaxing can ease stress, a valuable lesson in managing patient care.
Other props, such as sneakers used to teach the nursing process, help students visualize the learning process. The task of tying shoelaces can represent the step-by-step nature of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation in nursing.
Practical Examples of Using Props and Creativity in Nursing Education
- Using a Toolbox: A toolbox can represent the various skills nurses need. For instance, a hammer might symbolize psychomotor skills, while pliers represent critical thinking. This hands-on approach to teaching the nursing process helps students grasp complex concepts more effectively.
- Koosh Balls for Creativity: The invention of the Koosh ball—a toy created by a grandfather who wanted a safe ball to play with indoors—serves as an example of how necessity breeds creativity. This story can inspire students to think creatively when faced with challenges, whether in nursing practice or personal development.
- Flashlight Analogy for the Nursing Process: A flashlight that doesn’t work can be used to demonstrate the stages of the nursing process. First, students assess the problem, such as dead batteries, and then plan and implement a solution, such as replacing the batteries. This analogy emphasizes the cyclical nature of the nursing process and reinforces critical thinking skills.
Conclusion
Incorporating self-assessment quizzes, toys, props, and creative strategies into nursing education enhances student engagement, fosters creativity, and strengthens problem-solving abilities. These tools encourage students to think critically and approach challenges from different angles, which are essential skills in healthcare. By fostering an environment where creativity and innovation are valued, educators can prepare nursing students to meet the demands of modern healthcare practice with confidence and adaptability.
Creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s a mindset that can be developed, nurtured, and applied in every aspect of nursing, from patient care to collaborative decision-making. Self-tests, quizzes, and props are just some of the many tools available to educators to inspire this mindset in their students.