Active Learning: An Approach for Reducing Theory-Practice Gap in Clinical Education

Introduction: The gap between theory and practice in clinical fields, including nursing, is one of the main problems that many solutions have been suggested to eliminate it. In this article, we have tried to investigate its solution through active learning. Methods: In this review article, searching articles published during 2000-2012 was done through library references, scientific databases. Results: Among many essays and other sources, 36 articles, which were more related to active learning and its role in reducing theory-practice gap, were selected. In this article, we have tried to consider new methods that were not much regarded in Persian sources. Conclusion: Most active learning methods, especially task-based learning, practice-based learning and performance-based learning in which learner participate in the learning process and prepare for deep learning are effective to eliminate the gap. Since these methods are less used in training nurses in our country, this article explained these methods and how to use them in practice.