Impact of Self-Directed Learning Ability and Metacognition on Clinical Competence among Nursing Students

Abstract

Purpose: This study identifies the influences of self-directed learning ability and metacognition on clinical competence in nursing students. Method: The subjects consisted of 290 second and third year nursing students. The data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, Scheffe's test, Pearson's correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression via SPSS Statistics version 18.0. Results: On a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest), the mean self-directed learning ability score of the subjects was 3.19, mean metacognition score was 3.36 and mean clinical competence score was 3.29. A positive correlation was found between clinical competence with self-directed learning ability and metacognition. The strongest predictor of clinical competence was metacognition. Conclusion: To improve the clinical competence of nursing students, these findings indicate that increasing metacognition ability is required. Keywords: Self-directed learning ability, Metacognition, Clinical competence, 자기주도 학습능력, 메타인지, 임상수행능력