The Student Voice: Perceptions of Durable Learning

Background: Durable learning is the teaching/learning methods that result in retained knowledge that can be transferred to practice. There is limited research on durable learning in nursing education (NE). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of how learners acquire and retain knowledge. Methods: Nursing students and recent graduates were recruited from 2 large universities. Focus groups (n = 7) were audio-recorded, and transcripts were analyzed. Results: Thematic analysis of learners' perceptions revealed (1) effective learner-initiated techniques, (2) effective instructor-initiated techniques, (3) learner-initiated techniques that were not effective, and (4) instructor-initiated techniques in the classroom, clinical practice, and simulation that were not effective. Conclusion: Additional research is needed to understand faculty perspectives on durable learning techniques and their effectiveness. Findings from student, graduate, and faculty perspectives will guide the development of a validated, reliable tool to evaluate durable learning in NE.