ABSTRACT
Background: There have been few evidence-based assessments of nursing education core curricula. To conduct such assessments effectively, researchers need an objective professional tool that addresses the principal competencies of the nursing profession.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a preliminary assessment tool to improve teaching effectiveness in nursing core curricula.
Methods: This study was divided into four stages: (a) initial questionnaire content proposal, (b) expert validation, (c) random sampling, and (d) item and exploratory factor analysis.
Results: We used exploratory factor analysis to analyze three factors, namely (a) learning preparation, (b) advancement of competence, and (c) learning evaluation. These three factors explained, respectively, 43.1%, 12.9%, and 7.5% of total variance; the three together explained 63.5% of total variance. Overall questionnaire reliability was .904. All correlation coefficients displayed moderately positive relationships among subscales.
Conclusions: The assessment tool developed in this study showed reliability and validity in the evaluation of teaching outcomes for nursing core curricula.