Background of the Study
Language plays a crucial role in the educational experience, as it directly influences the ability of students to comprehend instructional materials, engage in discussions, and interact with faculty members. In nursing education, effective communication is particularly critical, as it affects students' understanding of complex medical concepts and their ability to provide quality care (Oluwaseun et al., 2023). Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, like many other healthcare institutions in multilingual regions, faces challenges related to language barriers among nursing students. These barriers may stem from differences in students' native languages, the language of instruction, or the use of medical jargon and terminology (Adamu & Tijani, 2023).
Research has shown that language barriers can impede students' academic performance and hinder their ability to interact effectively with patients and healthcare professionals (Alhassan et al., 2024). In the context of nursing education, students may struggle to grasp key concepts in anatomy, pharmacology, or patient care if they face difficulty understanding the language used in teaching materials or classroom discussions. Additionally, poor communication skills resulting from language barriers may also affect students' clinical practice, where clear and precise communication is essential (Abdullahi & Umar, 2023).
This study aims to assess the language barriers faced by nursing students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and examine their impact on students’ academic performance. By identifying the specific language challenges students encounter, the study will provide insights into the effectiveness of current teaching methods and offer recommendations for improving communication strategies within nursing education (Abubakar & Suleiman, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Language barriers represent a significant challenge in nursing education, particularly in multicultural and multilingual settings such as Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital. Students from diverse linguistic backgrounds may face difficulties understanding the language of instruction, which can impede their academic progress and clinical competence. Language barriers are not only a potential source of confusion but can also contribute to student frustration, lower confidence, and academic underachievement. The impact of these barriers on academic performance and clinical skills has not been comprehensively studied at the institution, creating a gap in knowledge that needs to be addressed.
Without a clear understanding of how language barriers affect nursing students’ learning, it is difficult to implement effective strategies to mitigate their impact. This study seeks to fill this gap by investigating the role of language barriers in nursing education at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and assessing their effect on students' academic outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the language barriers faced by nursing students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital.
2. To evaluate the impact of language barriers on the academic performance of nursing students.
3. To propose strategies for overcoming language barriers in nursing education.
Research Questions
1. What are the language barriers faced by nursing students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital?
2. How do language barriers impact the academic performance of nursing students?
3. What strategies can be implemented to overcome language barriers in nursing education?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nursing students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital experience significant language barriers that affect their academic performance.
2. There is a negative correlation between language barriers and the academic performance of nursing students.
3. Implementing strategies to address language barriers will improve the academic performance of nursing students.
Scope and Limitations of the Study This study will focus on nursing students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital. It will assess language barriers during classroom learning and clinical practice. The study will be limited to self-reported data from surveys and interviews with students and faculty members. One limitation is that the study will not assess the long-term effects of language barriers on clinical practice or career outcomes.
Definitions of Terms
• Language Barriers: Challenges that arise when students do not fully understand or are unable to communicate effectively in the language of instruction (Adamu & Tijani, 2023).
• Academic Performance: The achievement level of students in their coursework, typically measured through grades or assessments (Abdullahi & Umar, 2023).
• Multilingual Setting: An environment where multiple languages are spoken, often creating challenges in communication and learning (Oluwaseun et al., 2023).
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Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
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