The influence of independent learning as a learning strategy on the academic achievement of nursing students

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine by means of a literature review the influence of independent learning as a learning strategy on the academic achievement of nursing students. The literature review concluded that independent learning, particularly metacognition as a learning strategy, influenced the academic achievement of nursing students. Students who manage, appraise, evaluate, regulate and monitor theirlearning tasks achieve better academically than their counterparts. Note-taking and summarising enable students to recall information better. Self-regulated students become engrossed in the learning task on their own. By means of an empirical investigation, it could be concluded that metacognition in particular influences academic achievement through the use of guided learning in the form of an independent learning package. Recommendations were made regarding the implementation of properly structured guidance for independent learning as a learning strategy for nursing students.