Reflective learning with drama in nursing education--a Swedish attempt to overcome the theory praxis gap

Abstract

It is obvious that the gap between theory and praxis in nursing education affects the students' ability to develop understanding and professional knowledge that stems both from theory and practice. Appropriate didactic methods are thus needed in nursing education. In a project we developed and practised a didactic model with the intention of encouraging a reflective attitude within the student, considering caring science in theory as well as in praxis. The didactic model, based on educational drama, was implemented during three terms of the nursing education programme. In this paper we present the educational model and its theoretical foundation. We also present the preliminary outcomes of the project.