Evaluation of the Use of Project-Based Learning in the Nursing Degree

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thank you for the opportunity to evaluate the article on the use of project-based learning in the Nursing degree. A project-based learning method that incorporates active student engagement seems appropriate for students in the 21st century.

In general, the article is interesting and can contribute to lecturers/teachers in academic institutions.

A small number of comments/clarifications that mainly refer to the method chapter:

1. Sample - it is proposed to present here the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants.

2. Procedure - in order to be able to learn more and even apply similar learning, the description of the course must be expanded. For example, detailing the subjects studied, giving examples of the projects done, etc. It is also recommended to expand on the way students are guided, the assignments given to students, etc.

3. Instruments - the questionnaire was developed by the research group. It should be noted what it was built on? Does it cover the topics studied?

Another issue worth considering is related to learning in groups of 4-5 students. Many times you encounter such a group among "hitchhikers" - was there any reference to the subject during the course?

Good Luck!

Author Response

Thank you for your comments, which greatly improve the manuscript. We have addressed all of these. Details of all of the changes made can be seen attached file.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thank you. This is an interesting article with considerable strengths: the topic, the link to wider aspects of learning a practice based profession and contexts and also enhancing higher cognitive skills. I have a few suggestions for consideration to improve this work:

1. Context and population: it is not clear what level these students are (ie level 4 or 6) thus prior experiences may be a factor. Also whether this approach is used anywhere else in the curriculum (or previous pedagogical experiences if level 4).  The level of 'difference' and so called 'shock' with this approach my influence whether it is a novelty or a genuine impact especially as there is no control or previous years outcomes identified.

2. Ageing Nursing - I assume this is a unit/module on gerontology nursing. So is this the entirely of the unit/module (care homes) or is this part of the wider gerontological issues/cares? It is not clear how long this unit/module is for and given the comments by students on lack of time to do this. 

3. Methodology - it is not clear if the questionnaire was pilot tested nor where the knowledge questions emerged from - is there a scale or benchmark or objectives to these? Further depending on the duration of the unit/module is there a consideration that the pre questions could be remembered  and thus account for the correct responses?      The 'phenomenological' part is an open questionnaire - this is not really phenomenological it is essentially a survey.

4. It would be interesting to know why the focus was planning and management of a care home as opposed to some other aspects of gerontological care. So some rationale - is this always the focus?

5. You could include a little outline of the difference between problem based learning and project based learning - the latter is an artefact as an outcome the former is a solution to a problem. I can see the difference but the references and other aspects do point towards problem based approaches. Also it might be useful to add a comment on the preparation or awareness of the teacher sin these approaches - that could account for some of the confusion/guidance in the feedback.  

6. Do explain in the discussion how you think this improved reported critical thinking and autonomy (line 199, 200) 

7. Finally was this conducted in English or spanish and then translated and how was this managed for rigour? 

I hope this helps 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The English was good but there are a few minor aspects requiring improvement especially around the 'Aging Nursing'. Overall the sense is clear.  

Author Response

Thank you for your comments, which greatly improve the manuscript. We have addressed all of these. Details of all of the changes made can be seen in the attached file.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf