Methods: Nursing undergraduates enrolling in 2016 were selected as objects in this study. A new teaching method, 5E Learning Circle, was taken in the course of basic nursing skills. The teaching effect was compared with that of undergraduates enrolling 2015 who received conventional teaching, and attitudes to the new teaching method was investigated.5E Learning Circle Model included five procedures, such as engaging, exploring, explaining and elaborating. The model could inspire students to be more confident, active, and collaborative. The course of basic nursing skill was aimed to improve the comprehensive ability of clinical nursing and mainly contained courses of practice. There were 43 teaching hours, including 9 theoretical hours and 36 practical hours. And there were 9 teaching hours for the simulation education. The teaching team would design different kinds of cases suit for different clinical situation, such as hospitalization and being discharged. The students in the experimental group were asked to work in a team. We encouraged them to build a team of 5 to 7 students and learn to work together. The tasks for the students would be assigned by the teacher. The tasks contained analyzing the case, writing the simulation script and performed it in the class. Their performance would be evaluated by the teacher and their classmates.
Results: The final theory test scores of two groups showed no statistical significance（P＞0.05）. Performance in the class of undergraduates enrolling in 2016 was better with statistical significance（P＜0.05）. Their attitude towards to the new teaching method was satisfied.93.4% of students would to continue to apply the 5E Learning Cycle Model into their study.94.5% of students thought that the 5E Learning Cycle Model was benefit for their clinical thinking and problem solving.
Conclusion: Application of 5E Learning Circle to course of basic nursing skills could promote the development of the comprehensive abilities of the nursing students, the teaching ability of the faculty, and the quality of nursing education.