Teaching Philosophy
I have often thought of teaching as a transformation. In the case of nursing education the transformation is from nursing student to nursing professional. Like any transformation there are many steps in the process. Each step prepares the learner for the next step. Goals and outcomes set clear expectations and facilitate learning. Clearly communicating goals, expectations, and responsibilities not only facilitates the learning of skills, but also provides a guideline for learners as they transform into independent professionals who provide safe, exceptional nursing care.
Through clearly communicated expectations and the use of multiple and varied teaching modalities, I establish an environment of acceptance and inclusiveness. The student-educator relationship involves individuals with varied talents, backgrounds and experiences. This relationship is reciprocal and based on respect. Respecting students’ differences, and utilizing individual talents, backgrounds and experiences allows for the greatest success in the transformation to nursing professional.
In addition, the respectful relationship established between educator and student demonstrates a regard for individual attributes and backgrounds. I view differences in individual backgrounds and experiences as opportunities for everyone to learn and grow. These differences provide for an enriched learning experience, where students utilize their differences to empower others. These opportunities also provide students with multiple perspectives on a situation.
These multiple perspectives mimic the variety that may be encountered in actual patients care situations, and allow students the opportunity to think critically. In this way the student directly contributes to the educational experience, making the learning environment a safe environment where all are encouraged to participate openly and honestly. These varied opportunities develop not only the professional skills to become an independent practitioner, but the professional attributes such as love for the profession, empathy for others, and understanding of the human condition which enable learners to transform and flourish as exceptional care providers. In addition, enabling learners to share their experiences to empower others can have the added benefit of developing a learner’s confidence. This confidence can positively contribute to the transformation from student to professional.
The transformation from nursing student to nursing professional is a process. As an educator I believe it is my responsibility to facilitate this process through empowering the learner. By establishing and communicating clear goals, developing a respectful student-educator relationship, utilizing a variety of teaching experiences and styles, and encouraging individuals to share their experiences and celebrate their differences, I believe I empower learners to obtain those goals. Drawing on my experiences as a nurse and educator, I empower learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to create a strong foundation for effective nursing practice. Attitudes such as compassion, respect, and admiration for the patient and the profession are essential elements for effective practice. Empowering learners to develop these skills and attitudes supports the transformation from nursing student to a nursing professional equipped to provide safe and excellent nursing care.
Through clearly communicated expectations and the use of multiple and varied teaching modalities, I establish an environment of acceptance and inclusiveness. The student-educator relationship involves individuals with varied talents, backgrounds and experiences. This relationship is reciprocal and based on respect. Respecting students’ differences, and utilizing individual talents, backgrounds and experiences allows for the greatest success in the transformation to nursing professional.
In addition, the respectful relationship established between educator and student demonstrates a regard for individual attributes and backgrounds. I view differences in individual backgrounds and experiences as opportunities for everyone to learn and grow. These differences provide for an enriched learning experience, where students utilize their differences to empower others. These opportunities also provide students with multiple perspectives on a situation.
These multiple perspectives mimic the variety that may be encountered in actual patients care situations, and allow students the opportunity to think critically. In this way the student directly contributes to the educational experience, making the learning environment a safe environment where all are encouraged to participate openly and honestly. These varied opportunities develop not only the professional skills to become an independent practitioner, but the professional attributes such as love for the profession, empathy for others, and understanding of the human condition which enable learners to transform and flourish as exceptional care providers. In addition, enabling learners to share their experiences to empower others can have the added benefit of developing a learner’s confidence. This confidence can positively contribute to the transformation from student to professional.
The transformation from nursing student to nursing professional is a process. As an educator I believe it is my responsibility to facilitate this process through empowering the learner. By establishing and communicating clear goals, developing a respectful student-educator relationship, utilizing a variety of teaching experiences and styles, and encouraging individuals to share their experiences and celebrate their differences, I believe I empower learners to obtain those goals. Drawing on my experiences as a nurse and educator, I empower learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to create a strong foundation for effective nursing practice. Attitudes such as compassion, respect, and admiration for the patient and the profession are essential elements for effective practice. Empowering learners to develop these skills and attitudes supports the transformation from nursing student to a nursing professional equipped to provide safe and excellent nursing care.