The Application of Brain Gym® Exercises to Reduce Anxiety in Student Nurses Prior to Assessment

By:
Jennifer Mather
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Engaging students in learning is both challenging and rewarding. Because of cultural and age differences, students in the Certificate IV in Health (Nursing) program have complex learning needs and life priorities. This diversity has highlighted the need for a technique to maximise learning potential. Brain Gym® exercises use simple movements to integrate the whole brain, senses and body, preparing the person with the physical skills they need to learn effectively.
• academic skills – for example, reading, writing, spelling and maths
• memory, concentration and focus
• physical co-ordination and balance
• communication skills and language development
• self-development and personal stress management
• the achievement of goals, both professional and personal

The study examines the use of PACE as a preparation strategy to reduce student anxiety and improve performance. The movements provide students with simple techniques to use prior to examination, skill-based assessment and any other stressful situations they may encounter in professional or personal life.


Keywords: Accelerated learning, Student-centred teaching, Student's personal aspirations, Vocational education, Nurse education, Examination stress and anxiety
Stream: Adult, Vocational, Tertiary and Professional Learning
Presentation Type: 30 minute Paper Presentation in English
Paper: Application of Brain Gym® Exercises to Reduce Anxiety in Student Nurses Prior to Assessment, The,

Jennifer Mather

School of Life and Physical Sciences, RMIT
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Jennie is a nurse and an educator. She also has qualifications in educational kinesiology. Jennie embraces student-centred learning and incorporates strategies that enhance the learning and thus performance outcomes of her diverse student cohort.

Ref: L07P0363