ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the learning experience, self-directed learning ability and self-efficacy of Japanese nursing students undergoing portfolio-based clinical practicums. METHODS: The self-directed learning ability and self-efficacy of nursing students were examined using two scales. And using a text-mining approach, we constructed correspondence analysis followed by cluster analysis of open-ended responses forms. RESULTS: The mean score of the self-directed learning ability was 60.89±5.28 and the generalized self-efficacy was 68.37±11.56. Moreover, the scores in the self-directed learning ability were positively correlated with scores in the generalized self-efficacy. In correspondence analysis, the distribution of extracted words showed that record was located on the negative side of the third quadrant, to the first principal component and that patient was located on the positive side of the first quadrant, contributing greatly to the second principal component. CONCLUSION: The results of this study contribute to approaching to “confidence, pride, stability,”“growth and intention to development” offers a key in developing self-directed learning ability. Students record what they see and learn the importance of visualizing it in learning portfolios. “Expression in detail of the learned contents” and “concerning to which objective evaluation is suggested” are important to the students.