Immune system on the stage: The effect of teaching basic immunology using theater on the students' academic performance and satisfaction

  Nuring is an intensive course which may cause stress and, in turn, decrease learning abilities. Given the important role of nursing graduates, efficient teaching methods should be used. Acting is one of the new simulation methods that improve learning. Hence, the effect of acting along with lecturing was compared with pure lecturing of basic immunology on student's learning. Two separate classes of nursing students were selected. For one class, the course was taught only through lecturing and for the other, through lecturing plus acting. In the latter, each student played as an immune response element taught in that session. At the final session, all of the students were involved and played the role of immune system elements against an infectious agent. At the end of the semester, a final exam was given to the students containing 40questions with similar difficulty and discrimination index. The results were analyzed, and the students' satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire There was a significant increase in the average satisfaction of the class which was taught through lecturing and acting. Of course, the mean score for the female students was significantly higher. However, males did not show a significant difference. Results of the questionnaire showed that 100% of the students enjoyed this teaching method and believed their knowledge had increased. Acting helps deeper learning of immunology and changes the learning from a boring process to a pleasant one. More importantly, the students could be asked conceptual questions during the performances.
Citation: Pouragha B, Norouzinia R, Ghazivakili Z, Pakravan N. Immune system on the stage: The effect of teaching basic immunology using students’ theater on the nursing students' academic performance and satisfaction. Journal of Development Strategies in Medical Education 2018; 5(2): 63-74