Bullying is a serious public health problem, and many studies have examined the effect of school-based anti-bullying programs. However, these programs and those outcomes are complex, broad, and diverse. Research is needed into the optimal strategies for these comprehensive programs, which consider both the effectiveness and cost of programs. We performed a meta-analysis of 13 studies using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software package to calculate effect size (ES) and the Q statistic. We conducted subgroup analyses to examine the differences based on student grade level, program duration, and program strategy. The pooled ES calculation indicated that school-based anti-bullying programs have a small to moderate effect on victimization. The results of the Q test indicated significant heterogeneity across studies of victimization ( Q = 39.625; I2 = 69.7%; p < .001). Studies involving training in emotional control ( p < .01), peer counseling ( p < .05), or the establishment of a school policy on bullying ( p < .05) showed significantly larger ESs on victimization than did studies that did not involve these strategies. Effective school-based anti-bullying programs should include training in emotional control, peer counseling, and the establishment of a school policy on bullying.
New educational approaches may be necessary to enhance competency in the new generation of students. Self-directed learning and blended coaching have been effective strategies to meet this challenge. However, there has been little research on self-directed learning programs using blended coaching (SDL_BC) in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-directed learning program using blended coaching among nursing students in clinical practice. A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest non-synchronized intervention design was used. The participants were 91 students, comprising an experimental group (n = 44) and a control group (n = 47). The experimental group was trained using a self-directed learning program with blended coaching. The Self-Directed Learning Competency Questionnaire, Clinical Competency Questionnaire, and Numeric Rating Score for clinical practice satisfaction via a self-report were all used in the assessment. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests and ANCOVA were used to evaluate self-directed learning competency, clinical competency, and clinical practice satisfaction. Students in the experimental group showed a significantly higher improvement in competency in the implementation of self-directed learning (F (1,89) = 4.27, p = 0.039) and higher satisfaction with clinical practice (t (89) = 3.10, p = 0.003) compared with those in the control group. These results provide evidence that a self-directed learning program using blended coaching is an effective educational approach to improve the implementation part of self-directed learning competency and clinical practice satisfaction among nursing students in clinical practice. Further research is required to investigate whether other variables are associated with clinical competency, competency in planning and evaluation of self-directed learning, or their long-term effects.