Abstract

This study aimed to develop a peer-assisted learning (PAL) program for use in a core nursing skills education course and to investigate the effects of the education program on three key outcomes. A comparative study was conducted through the division of students of a core nursing skills education program into a treatment group and control group. After the programs, self-efficacy, confidence and satisfaction were compared between the groups. The comparison of these three factors indicated that the related scores were significantly higher in the treatment group receiving the education program with the PAL method than those of the control group receiving traditional education. We concluded that self-efficacy gave the nursing students the confidence that they could successfully perform their tasks and motivation to learn. Education programs using the PAL method are suggested as an effective method for the acquisition of skills among nursing students.