Personal Philosophy of Nursing Education
This paper presents my personal philosophy of nursing education. To this end, the paper presents my perspective on how learning occurs, how student learning can be facilitated, learning goals for students, and areas in which I feel should be emphasized so as to improve teaching abilities in the field.
My perspective is that learning, in general, is a continuous and lifelong process and that the foundation of this process is active learning. In this regard, I agree with Chance (2005) who states that students must be actively involved in the learning process. This active involvement is especially required in nursing education in order to ensure that nurses acquire clinical proficiency. In addition, active learning helps to make sure that nurses are properly socialized into their professional roles.
How Student Learning Can be Facilitated
There are a variety of strategies, methods and techniques that can be used to facilitate student learning. Nursing education, I believe, is maximal when learning experiences are planned in a manner that emphasizes sequence, continuity, and synthesis of knowledge and skills as these are defined by clearly stated and concrete educational objectives. I also believe that the teaching and learning process must involve the learner in setting goals, selecting learning experiences, evaluating progress, and even revising instructional methods and curriculum. In other words, part of active learning requires involvement of the student nurse in all phases of his or her education.
Faculty is a pivotal element in facilitating student learning and I believe that both faculty should help students to contribute to the knowledge base by emphasizing research skills and the clinical application of research findings. Further, faculty should help to create an educational climate the fosters a positive learning environment by showing mutual respect, and putting
...