Factors Influencing Classroom Participation of Undergraduate Nursing Students of Presbyterian University College Ghana

ABSTRACT

Participation is very essential for achieving positive learning outcomes in students especially for nursing students who by the nature of the career they have chosen are required to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and very analytic. The study sought to examine the factors influencing classroom participation of undergraduate nursing students of the Presbyterian University College, Ghana (PUCG). A total of 100 students were used for the study with a response rate of 100%. A questionnaire structured into four sections was administered to the respondents. Analysis of data was conducted using SPSS version 21. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The results were presented in tables. The findings of the study revealed that student factors influencing participation in the classroom were lack of confidence, being shy, lack of control over English language and inadequate preparation. The desire to remain anonymous was not found to influence participation. Adequate wait time, mentioning of students’ name, offering of equal opportunities to students, and awarding marks to students were faculty factors found to influence students to participate in class. It was found that the gender of the lecturer did not affect participation. Also, the most important classroom climate factor identified to influence participation was large class size. It is recommended that lecturers should set expectations for students’ participation and also allow adequate wait time.