The purpose of this article is to discuss the strengths and limitations of two teaching strategies currently utilized
in Diploma in Nursing, in Malaysia. The diploma was started in 1994 with a 3 years duration of study. It also
requires certificates of qualification from the Malaysian Quality Agency (MQA) and the Malaysian Board of
Nursing.
Teaching strategies of individual teachers differ according to their teaching styles and generalized lesson plans,
which include structures, instructional objectives, outlines of teaching and learning tactics, and other
accessories needed to implement the strategies. A strategy does not necessarily follow a single track all the
time, but changes according to the demands of the situations such as the age, level, needs, interests and abilities
of the students. Thus, strategy is a method that is more comprehensive. It is directional in nature and refers to
the goal oriented activities of the teacher. Hence, it resembles science rather than arts.
Lecture and simulation methods are the best teaching strategies for nursing students in Malaysia. The lecture
method allows clarification on difficult concepts, organizes thinking, and promotes problem solving attitudes,
whereas simulation provides students with the opportunity for proper social, emotional and intellectual
development. Moreover, students are highly motivated by educational simulation, for they enjoy the learning
process while participating in it.
Currently, the development of information technology and the increase in the number of nursing students occur drastically. Based on this premise, the purpose of this article is to shed light into the future development of curriculum for the nursing field. Philosophy is considered one of the most important components of both education system and curriculum, because the educational philosophies reflect the social, economic and political aspects of a society, in which they are applied. As an educator, understanding the philosophy to be adapted in the curriculum and learning process is important, to provide a framework for the best performance of both the teacher and the student. In conclusion, it is important to implement the philosophy of curriculum in the education program as each philosophy aids in the principles and guidelines of the learning process. Globally, most programs are usually based on the philosophy related to that program. Therefore, as an educator, we must know the philosophical development of the curriculum of education, so that we are able to analyse and choose which is appropriate.
Family planning is a method of controlling fertility which helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies among couples. Unwanted pregnancy has negative effects for mothers and children. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of family planning practices among women in Serdang area and associated factors with their family planning practices. A cross sectional study was conducted with a systematic random sampling of 349 women of reproductive age, who attended Sri Kembangan Polyclinic. Descriptive analysis with chi-square and multiple regression analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with the family planning practice. The prevalence of family planning practice was 38.4%. Family planning was significantly associated with age (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.001), mode of delivery of the last pregnancy (p=0.001), number of children (p=0.001), source of information (p=0.004), level of knowledge (p=0.001), and the attitude (p=0.004). Using multiple logistic regression, four factors contributed to family planning practice, were identified as statistically significant: marital status (married OR=40, 95% CI: 9.45, 169.8), religion (Muslim OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.4), number of children (children>4 OR=2.98, 95% CI:1. 74, 5.09) and attitude (positive attitude OR=1.88, 95% CI:1.11, 3.18). The prevalence of family planning practice in Serdang was low even though knowledge was sufficient. The use of pamphlets and booklets are still needed to enhance efforts in health education. Currently, practice on family planning will determine the future structure of the community and the economic wellbeing of a country. Future study should focus on family planning practice among teenager and types of methods for women.