Art-Based Learning as a Pedagogical Strategy to Enhance Attention, Engagement, and Learning in Pathology Education Among Nursing Students
TL;DR
Art-based learning significantly enhanced attention, engagement, and immediate learning outcomes in pathology education among undergraduate nursing students and may serve as an effective complementary strategy to traditional teaching by transforming abstract pathology concepts into meaningful, memorable learning experiences.
Abstract
Objective.To evaluate the effect of an Art-Based Learning activity on attention, engagement, and immediate learning outcomes in pathology education among undergraduate nursing students. Methods.A post-test-only pre-experimental study was conducted among 85 second-year nursing students in South India (October 2025). During a pathology lecture on thrombosis, students participated in an unannounced 30-minute Art-Based Learning activity representingthrombus formation through poems, stories, riddles, drawings, and comics. Learning outcomes were assessed immediately using a formative knowledge tool and an Attention & Engagement Scale. Results.The mean knowledge score was 8.9 (Maximum possible= 10), indicating strong immediate learning. Engagement levels were consistently high across all scale items (4.24 to 4.48 of 5of maximum possible), indicating strong student involvement in the learning activity. Conclusion.Art-based learning significantly enhanced attention, engagement, and immediate learning outcomes. Art-Based Learning may serve as an effective complementary strategy to traditional teaching by transforming abstract pathology concepts into meaningful, memorable learning experiences.