Abstract

*Ibrahim M., Yalwa, T., Lawali, Y., Ahmad, S. and Tukur B. M.

ABSTRACT

For ensuring effective teaching and facilitating learning during students-patient interaction, a valid assessment needs to be adopted. Many assessment mechanisms exist to evaluate students‘ knowledge and skills of Nursing/medical students, including two-way mirrors, close-circuit audio-video and observation. Providing students with instant feedback is a key to successful learning. Level one undergraduate students of Cardiff University, United Kingdom were assigned to carryout basic life support (BLS) procedure using manikin whilst the student-teacher employed direct observation method (DOM) as a tool to evaluating students‘ learning competencies. The supervisor monitored the student-teacher who organized the one-hour task to assess the students. Professional driver‘s guidelines of Quality Assurance Agency, Nursing & Midwifery Council and National Institute for health Care Excellence, together with learning theories including constructivist, behaviouristic and humanistic were considered. The assignment is aimed at examining students‘ competencies using one-hour assessment and BLS generated and printed copy of feedback. The assignment was analysed in three phases viz: direct observation, accuracy and effectiveness of the BLS devices and instant feedback stage. The outcome indicated that DOM is a good assessment tool used in evaluating varying degrees of students‘ Knowledge, Attitude, Motor skills, Structure (logical skills), Novice, Advanced Beginner, Competency, proficiency, and expertise at different stage of learning.