An innovative learning approach to gerontological nursing

The purpose of this paper is to present the application of innovative learning approach- “Being An Older Adult” in Gerontological Nursing course to improve nursing students' experiences for their better learning experiences. The Learning Pyramid was adopted into this study as learners will get 75% average learning retention rates from “Practice By Doing”. Based on “Practice By Doing”, there were three stages of “Being An Older Adult” implementation including preparation (need recognition, literature reviews, budget, equipment, teaching materials, brief session), action (activity in being an older adult, safety issues), and evaluation (reflection, observation, group discussion, review and future). Aged simulation set was adopted as the equipment of the innovative learning approach. The duration of wearing aged simulation was about four hours for each nursing student. The setting of the “Being An Old Adult” innovative learning was held at campus where nursing students are familiar and convenient for them. All involved nursing students suggested that this innovative learning approach improved their understanding towards older people and increased better learning experience towards Gerontological Nursing course.