Flipped classroom model versus conventional teaching method: effects on nursing students' self-directed learning readiness in a research methodology course.

INTRODUCTION: the effectiveness of the flipped classroom model (FCM) method for building self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) in a research methodology course has not yet been scientifically researched. This study aims to assess the effect of FCM on SDLR among Nigerian nursing students enrolled in a research methodology course.

METHODS: sixty-four 400-level nursing students from two government-owned universities in Southeast Nigeria were recruited for this quasi-experimental study. They were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group, and the control group, and exposed to FCM and conventional teaching methods (CTM) throughout the months of April and July 2021. Before and after the intervention, the validated self-directed learning readiness scale (SDLRS) was used to gather data, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data.

RESULTS: the SDLR was high if the SDLRS mean score was ≥3.75. Pre-test results from SDLR showed overall scores of 3.99 ± 0.39 and 3.95 ± 0.35 for CTM and FCM, respectively, while post-test results showed overall scores of 3.84 ± 0.77 for CTM and 4.01 ± 0.81 for FCM. The mean scores between the pre-and post-tests were statistically different (p=0.030).

CONCLUSION: the FCM had a positive effect on Nigerian nursing undergraduates' SDLR and should be encouraged as it provides a viable alternative to the traditional teaching method.