Students Related Factors Perceived to Influence Classroom Learning in Selected Nursing Institutions in Enugu Metropolis

Effective classroom learning among nursing students may depend on a range of factors related to students, teachers, and the learning environment. These factors can be student-related, teacher-related and institution-related factors. Understanding these factors may provide useful information for improving students’ learning experiences and academic preparation. This study assessed student-related factors perceived to influence classroom learning among nursing students in selected institutions in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The target population of the study comprised 325 eligible nursing students, including 213 students from the Department of Nursing, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), and 112 students from the College of Nursing Sciences, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH). Because the eligible population was relatively small and accessible, total population sampling was used. The instrument for data collection was a researcher-developed questionnaire. The collected data were analysed with descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. A criterion mean of 2.50 was used for decision-making. The results revealed that the highest-rated student-related factors perceived to influence classroom learning were lack of self-motivation (M=3.39, SD=0.80), unresolved emotional problems (M=3.39, SD=0.68), and poor state of health (M=3.39, SD=0.75). This was followed by lack of interest in the course being taught (M=3.35, SD=0.78). The least-rated factor was lack of pocket money to meet personal needs (M = 2.81, SD = 0.96). The finding also revealed that the overall mean perception score was 3.13 (SD = 0.54) among UNEC student nurses, while that of their counterparts from UNTH was 3.10 (SD = 0.43). The result showed that the mean perception scores of both groups of students on student factors influencing classroom learning were almost equal. This study suggests nursing students perceived several personal, psychological, and health-related factors as important influences on classroom learning that may be experienced across different nursing education settings.

Classroom learning; nursing students; student-related factors; perception; motivation

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