ARCS-Based Training to Improve Nursing Students' Communication, Motivation, and Self-Efficacy

Official title

The Effect of Training Based on the ARCS Motivation Model on Nursing Students' Communication Skills, Learning Motivation, and Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Overview

This study explores the impact of an ARCS-based training program on nursing students' communication skills, learning motivation, and self-efficacy. Communication is essential in nursing for quality patient care and safety, yet students often struggle with it. The ARCS Motivation Model-focused on Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction-aims to boost motivation and improve learning outcomes. Using a randomized controlled design, the study compares an experimental group receiving ARCS-based training with a control group receiving traditional education. Key outcomes include improved communication skills, motivation, and self-efficacy. This research highlights the potential of the ARCS model in enhancing nursing education and student performance.

Detailed description

This study aims to examine the impact of an education program based on the ARCS Motivation Model on nursing students' communication skills, learning motivation, and self-efficacy levels. The nursing profession requires not only clinical knowledge and technical skills but also effective communication abilities, as communication plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care quality and ensuring patient safety. However, research has shown that nursing students often face deficiencies in their communication skills, which can negatively affect their professional development. Consequently, there is an increasing need for learner-centered and motivating educational approaches.

The ARCS Motivation Model, consisting of four key components-Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction-aims to enhance learning motivation. Literature suggests that this model positively impacts nursing students' learning processes. This study investigates whether ARCS-based training is effective in improving nursing students' communication skills, learning motivation, and self-efficacy.

The research will be conducted using a randomized controlled design with first-year nursing students from Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University. The students will be randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group will receive ARCS-based education, while the control group will receive traditional education. The study will evaluate whether there are significant differences in communication skills, learning motivation, and self-efficacy between the two groups at the end of the training process.

Data will be collected using the Effective Communication Skills Scale, Learning Motivation Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, and a Demographic Information Form. These instruments will measure the participants' communication skills, motivation levels, and demographic characteristics. The ARCS model's four stages (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction) will be applied through teaching materials and group activities during the intervention.

In conclusion, this study aims to explore the effects of an ARCS-based training model in improving nursing students' communication skills and motivation, providing insights into the effectiveness of motivation-enhancing educational methods.

Interventions

• Other The ARCS Motivation Model Education
  The ARCS Motivation Model Education-focused on Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction

Primary outcome measures

• communication skills [Time frame: 1 week before and 2 weeks after the intervention]
• learning motivation [Time frame: 1 week before and 2 weeks after the intervention]
• self-efficacy levels [Time frame: 1 week before and 2 weeks after the intervention]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Must be enrolled in the 1st year of the Nursing Faculty
• Must be participating in clinical practice (internship) for the first time
• Must voluntarily agree to participate in the study and sign the informed consent form
• Must agree to attend all designated sessions during the training period
• Must have proficiency in reading and writing Turkish
• Must have a suitable health condition for participation in individual and group activities

Exclusion criteria

Has previously participated in any clinical practice/internship

• Has previously attended specialized training on communication skills, self-efficacy, or learning motivation
• Unable to attend 2 or more sessions during the research process
• Decides to withdraw from participation during the research or withdraws consent
• Provides incomplete or incorrect responses to data (significant omissions in pre-test or post-test forms)

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: Yes

Study design

Allocation

Randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Triple blind

Primary purpose

Basic science

Study locations

Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center

• Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Universty — Tokat Province

Publications

• Kavak HK, Kazanc S. The effect of ARCS motivational model-based education on nursing students' communication skills, learning motivation, and self-efficacy: a mixed-methods randomized controlled intervention study. BMC Med Educ. 2026 Feb 7;26(1):525. doi: 10.1186/s12909-026-08724-8. PMID 41654826

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07004205 · Scü-Gop

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗