Faculty Competence and Innovative Teaching Approaches in Enhancing Nursing Students Engagement: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Student engagement is a critical determinant of academic achievement, professional competence, and successful learning outcomes in nursing education. Faculty competence and innovative teaching approaches have increasingly gained attention as essential factors in fostering meaningful engagement among nursing students. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding the influence of faculty competence and innovative teaching strategies on nursing students’ engagement. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, and Cochrane Library. Studies published between 2010 and 2025 that examined faculty competence, innovative pedagogical approaches, and student engagement outcomes in nursing education were included. A total of 48 studies met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed using narrative synthesis. The findings revealed that faculty pedagogical competence, interpersonal skills, and technological proficiency significantly enhanced student engagement, motivation, participation, and learning satisfaction. Innovative teaching approaches such as simulation-based learning, problem-based learning, team-based learning, flipped classrooms, gamification, and virtual learning environments consistently demonstrated positive effects on student engagement and academic performance. Simulation-based learning emerged as the most effective strategy for promoting active learning, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making. However, barriers including inadequate faculty training, limited technological resources, and institutional constraints were identified. The review concludes that competent educators employing learner-centered and technology-supported teaching approaches can substantially improve nursing students’ engagement and educational outcomes. Strengthening faculty development initiatives and integrating innovative pedagogical methods into nursing curricula are recommended to prepare a competent and practice-ready nursing workforce.