EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ANALYSIS OF PIONEER NURSING STUDENTS OF JOSEPH AYO BABALOLA UNIVERSITY.

The study was design to investigate the experiential learning of pioneer nursing students of Joseph Ayo Babalola University. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to carry out this research. The population of the study comprises of the pioneer nursing students of Joseph Ayo Babalola University. The sampling technique was a convenience sampling method was used to sample 59 respondents. The results were presented using a frequency table, simple percentages, charts, descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. Respondents' perception was measured using 5-points Likert-scale. About 36% were male while 64% were female. Age group 21-25 (72.90%) was the highest. Clinical placement accounted for 80% among the previous healthcare experience of the respondents. A large number (78%) of the respondents had understanding of experiential learning. The respondents indicated clinical placement (84.70%) as the highest experiential learning activity familiar with. Experiential learning (mean = 4.83 is perceived as most important to nursing education while clinical placement ( mean= 4.64) is perceived to be more effective in experiential learning. Preparedness of the respondents from the experimental learning for real-world nursing practice is on average (35.59%). The respondents’ confidence in applying theoretical knowledge to practical nursing situations is also on average (35.60%). Time limitations of duration of experiential learning (mean= 3.06) and Inability to cover the required curriculum for experiential learning (mean= 3.02) were the major challenges faced by the respondents. The overall satisfaction with the experiential learning activities the respondents participated in is rated average (32.20%). The effectiveness of the support and guidance provided by instructors or mentors during your experiential learning experiences was also rated average (35.59%). All the respondents were of the view that there is need for improvement. It is recommended that simulation learning should be improved on. Adequate time duration should be given to experiential learning. This will also help to cover the required curriculum for experiential learning. Provision of adequate support and guidance to students during experiential learning activities. The University should ensuring equitable access to experiential learning opportunities for all students. Key words: Educational Strategies, Knowledge and Perception