Philosophy of Teaching
Elizabeth Jones RN, BSN, MSN, FNP-C
9-7-2019
Goals:
As an instructor I hope to be able to impart new knowledge and improve current knowledge of my students in a manner that is both engaging and fun. My goals for each student include but are not limited to the following:
- Become excited about the subject they are learning, having the desire to learn more.
- Leave with a better understanding of what they are being taught than they had when they started class.
- Become safe, effective practitioners.
Rationale:
In 1968 Malcolm S. Knowles came up with the theory about adult learning, a large percent of nursing students can be qualified as adults. According to Knowles adult learners are self-directed, come to classes with accumulated experiences, have an internal motivation to learn and want to understand why they need to learn something. (Clapper, T.C. 2010). If students become passionate or excited about a subject, they are more willing to do the study and work it takes to learn. If they leave with a better understanding of a subject than they had at the beginning, they will be able to utilize their knowledge. As a nursing instructor it is important to help prepare safe effective practitioners. According to Patricia Benner’s theory we all start out as novice nurses and follow a pattern to become advance beginner, competent , proficient and finally experts in our area of focus ( Alligood, M.R., & Tomey, A.M., 2012). I hope to be able to engage students in their desire to progress from novice to expert. I had an instructor who was great at providing inspiration, she also gave out “pearls” of wisdom throughout the class, I found this helpful along my journey through my Master of Science – Nursing degree. I was working full time and completing my degree to become a Nurse Practitioner, the stress level to say the least was high for everyone but this instructor was able to help calm nerves and encourage success. I hope to be able to do the same for any future students I encounter.
Illustration/Implementation
I do not have a classroom position as of yet, but I would like for my class to be a place of learning as well as a place where inquiry is made to be the norm. I want my students to be free to ask questions and find answers. I have precepted students in my office which is very comfortable , I have pictures of family , inspirational quotes posted, and giraffes of all kinds placed everywhere. I also have reference material available and snacks. I encourage may preceptees to ask questions and if I don’t know the answer, I will help them find it. I enjoy helping students become the best provider they can be. I want anyone I am teaching to be as successful as they want to become.
Development:
I am currently taking Nurse Educator Teaching certification courses. I have precepted several students and taught Sunday school lessons at church. I have also taught my children at home. These are my teaching experiences so far and I hope that as I learn and grow as an instructor, I will be able to find a good mentor who will help to guide me along the way.
Success/Student Learning:
I view success of student learning, as a student being comfortable with the material and understanding the importance of safety as well as having the desire to become a life-long learner. I have not yet done any formal assessments but have asked for honest feed-back. I am not sure if the students are giving it or not but so far they have all said that they have learned good things from me.
Reference:
Alligood, M.R.& Tomey, A.M., (2010). Nursing Theorists and Their Work 7th ed.
Mosby Elsevier, Maryland Heights, Missouri.
Clapper, T.C. (2010). Beyond Knowles: What Those Conducting Simulation Need
Know About Adult Learning Theory. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 6(1),
E7-e14. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.ohio-state.edu/10.1016/j.ecns.2009.07.003