Tutor: Helen and Paul, congratulations to you both for doing so well the past semester. You two have exhibited an impeccable performance during your first year in the nursing program. I'd like to get some feedback from the two of you to better improve the program and to provide guidance for our prospective students. I'd like to start with you, Helen. So first of all, which aspect of the program impressed you?

Helen: Well, to be honest, when I was enrolled into the course, I was expecting a group of classmates my age. {[But as I stepped into the classroom for the first time, I was surprised by the diversity. Most were in their twenties, but there were also those in their thirties or even forties][1]}. As it turns out, the intergenerational communication has sparked intense debate and new thinking, and I think that's something special about the program that I appreciate very much.

Tutor: What about you, Paul? What do you think of the program?

Paul: For me the group project we carried out last semester is another key feature of the program. The whole class was divided into 8 different groups working on 8 perspective cases. Team building sessions were conducted in a collaborative way most of the time. Comprised of five members, our group studied acute pancreatitis. During the process, we broke the task into different parts and assigned them to each member. We were then able to tackle the complex problem by pooling our knowledge and skills. {[More importantly, stronger links were established between the group members. Because of the project, we've all become good friends.][2]}

Tutor: That's true. According to graduates, group projects prepare them for the work world in which teamwork and collaboration are increasingly the norm. So tell me, Paul, what else do you like about the program?

Paul: I want to be a registered nurse working in a public hospital after graduation. So the internship provided is a valuable opportunity for clinical practice in a supportive learning atmosphere. {[However, I was amazed by the amount of written assignments since I thought the course should have focused more on practice-oriented learning.][3]}

Helen: Well, I have to disagree with you, Paul. The essays demonstrate your understanding of the course. For me, writing essays is a process that involves critical thinking which challenges me to develop my points more thoroughly. I thus managed to gain a diversity of perspectives.

Tutor: The program is designed to deliver basic and advanced theoretical knowledge of core concepts including health care systems concepts, together with practicum or clinical practice experience to bridge the classroom content to the practice setting. So I'm afraid written work is unavoidable. Also this year, we've added a module of law. How do you feel about that?

Helen: At first we felt that learning law is kind of redundant and too time-consuming. {[After a few sessions, we realised that it is necessary in dealing with future medical disputes.][4]}

Tutor: Do you have any suggestions for prospective students?

Paul: What bothers me most is handing in essays on time. I almost missed the deadline once because there were three essays due within the same week. {[So rationalising your time is critical.][5]}

Helen: Well, that's true. {[The lectures deliver so much useful information. I have poor memory so I kept making notes and revisiting them on a regular basis][6]}. To my surprise, at the end of the semester, I have learnt the key concepts by heart.

Tutor: How was the research? I heard that it was quite challenging. How did you manage to overcome the difficulties?

Paul: That's true. {[The majority of us had no clue how to carry out the research at first. Fortunately, when I was digging up reference materials at the library, I sought help from the librarian][7]}. She taught me about finding the appropriate resources and choosing the proper research methods.

Tutor: Have you checked out the online forum?

Helen: Yes, it has become a habit for me to visit the forum regularly. In a sense, it extends classroom learning. {[It is where the students post academic problems that they come across and get support from the faculty members.][8]}

Paul: {[Some of my classmates didn't do so well during the placement tests. I feel that background reading is necessary.][9]}

Tutor: Lastly, do you have anything to say to the freshmen?

Helen: I was really ambitious at first, trying to get straight A's on my transcript. I made tons of notes and worked hard even on the optional assignments to get extra credit. I stressed myself out before having an emotional breakdown. {[After consulting my advisor, I found it important to set realistic goals][10]}. Don't push yourself too hard. It is wise to sort out your priorities.

Tutor: Thank you for coming here today and providing valuable feedback on the program. Have a great summer break.

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