NCT07435558

Homogeneous vs. Heterogeneous Learning Style Grouping in Problem-Based Learning Among Nurses

Not yet recruiting NA Last updated 2 March 2026

What this trial tests

NA trial testing Homogeneous FSLSM-Based PBL Grouping in Problem-based Learning in Nursing Education in 78 participants. Not yet recruiting.

Timeline

7 March 2026

Primary endpoint
30 June 2026

15 July 2026

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
Phase	NA
Status	Not yet recruiting
Study type	INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation	randomized
Design	parallel
Masking	single
Primary purpose	other
Enrollment	78
Start date	7 March 2026
Primary completion	30 June 2026
Estimated completion	15 July 2026

Drugs / interventions tested

• Homogeneous FSLSM-Based PBL Grouping
• Heterogeneous FSLSM-Based PBL Grouping

Conditions studied

• Problem-based Learning in Nursing Education — all drugs for Problem-based Learning in Nursing Education →
• Nurses — all drugs for Nurses →
• Randomized Clinical Trial — all drugs for Randomized Clinical Trial →

Sponsor

Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Who can join

Eligibility, any sex, with Problem-based Learning in Nursing Education or Nurses. Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a learner-centered educational approach that helps nurses improve clinical skills through group discussion, case analysis, and collaborative problem-solving. However, the way participants are assigned to learning groups may influence how effectively they learn. Differences in learning styles among group members can affect participation, confidence, interaction quality, and knowledge retention.

The Felder-Silverman Learning Style Model (FSLSM) is a widely used framework that categorizes learners based on how they perceive, process, and understand information (e.g., active vs. reflective, visual vs. verbal). Organizing PBL groups according to similarities or differences in these learning styles may lead to different educational outcomes.

This study is a parallel, two-arm randomized controlled clinical trial designed to compare the effects of homogeneous grouping (participants with similar learning styles placed in the same group) versus heterogeneous grouping (participants with diverse learning styles placed in the same group) on PBL outcomes among hospital nurses.

Registered nurses employed in teaching hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences are randomly assigned to one of the two grouping strategies. All participants receive the same PBL curriculum focused on patient safety and medication safety. The only difference between groups is the method used to form discussion teams.

The primary outcome is medication safety competence, measured using a validated questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include clinical reasoning competence and nursing care quality. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and eight weeks later to evaluate both immediate effects and short-term retention.

The findings of this study are expected to clarify whether grouping nurses based on similar or diverse learning styles leads to better improvement and retention of critical clinical competencies. Results may help educators design more effective PBL programs in nursing education and clinical training settings.

Publications & conference data

No peer-reviewed publications indexed yet for this trial.