Impact of Problem based learning on acquiring 21 century Skills among Nursing students (comparative study)

Background: As we move into the 21st century, there are increasing demands placed on education to ensure their practice is based on sound evidence , thus , nursing students of today will be nurse practitioners of tomorrow they must be prepared to be ready at the outset to exhibit not only technical know-how but to possess a host of professional behaviors' such as own initiative, time management skills, ability to direct own learning with interpersonal and organizational skills which can successfully facilitate them to interact with patients, care givers, and other health care professionals. Problem Based Learning is an approach to teaching and learning that has been designed using Theory and research evidence about the nature of learning and of professional expertise and has been widely adopted. The key characteristics of PBL are that it involves team work and communication skills, a problem-solving capacity, critical, analytical and creative. Aim : to investigate the impact of using problem based learning on acquired 21 century skills among nursing students' in both Al Qassim University and Port-Said University. Subject and methods: The present study is a descriptive comparative design carried out in Al Qassim University in kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Port- said University in Egypt for all students in four levels through using one tool contains 38 items divided into 6 parts for measuring communication, decision making, problem solving & critical thinking, team work ability, responsibility ability, self esteem & satisfaction. Results: the most Saudi and Egyptian nursing students have adequate acquiring 21 century Skills regarding communication, decision making, problem solving, responsibility, team work, self esteem and self awareness skills. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the Problem based learning approach has positive impact on student's acquiring the most of 21 century skills. Recommendations: PBL Approach requires training, practice, and patience by encouraging students throughout the process and modeling thinking behaviors. So, this approach recommended for application in teaching student nurses for improve students’ 21 century skills.