NURS 644: Theories and Strategies for Nursing Education
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing
Credit Hours: (3)
Examines issues related to nursing education in a variety of settings including schools of nursing, continuing education, and staff development in the work place. Focuses on the teaching-learning process and the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective units of instruction/learning.
Detailed Description of Course
Topical Outline
I. Overview of Selected Models of Learning Including
A. Behaviorist Models
B. Developmental Models
C. Adult Learner Models
II. The Basis of Nursing Curricula
A. Mission of the Parent Institution
B. Philosphical Beliefs of the Faculty
C. The Conceptual Framework as Underpinning of Nursing Education
D. Program Goals
E. Level Objectives
III. Designing Units of Instruction
A. Developing Student Outcomes and Objectives
B. Selecting Appropriate Content to Meet Outcomes and Objectives
C. Designing Effective Teaching-Learning Strategies
1. Lecture/Discussion
2. Seminars
3. Writing
4. Role Play
5. Use of Technology
6. Audio-Visual Materials
7. Communication Strategies: Written and Oral
8. Practicum Experiences
9. Games
10. Others
IV. Evaluation
A. Evaluating Learning
1. Test Construction
2. Use of Projects
3. Evaluation of Practical Skill Development
4. For Course Development
B. Evaluation of Teaching
1. For Professional Growth
2. Evaluation by Institution
V. Selected Issues Related to the Role of Nurse Educator
A. Required Credentials
B. Dimensions of the Faculty Role
C. Nursing Education Issues Driven by Needs of the Practice Itself
1. The Faculty Shortage
2. Faculty Practice
D. Distance Learning
1. Other Issues to Be Determined by Learner Needs and Interests
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The conduct of this course and the activities engaged in have been designed to involve all participants and have been devised to reflect the very issues being addressed in the course. The course will focus on: (1) examining both traditional and contemporary models of nursing education; (2) analyzing the concepts "learning" and "teaching," (3) considering the impact of the student-teaching relationship on learning; (4) assessing and creating positive learning environments; (5) developing each participant's ability to effectively function in their role as nurse educator; (6) developing and implementing creative teaching-learning strategies.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:
1. Critique selected theories of learning that pertain to nursing education.
2. Examine the process of curriculum development in nursing education.
3. Design a unit of instruction that utilizes concepts from a selected framework.
4. Implement teaching strategies that are effective in nursing education.
5. Evaluate measures to assess learning and teaching in nursing education.
6. Analyze issues related to the role of nurse educator in selected settings.
Assessment Measures
A variety of measures will be used to evaluate learning which may including, but not limited to, journaling, projects and presentations.
Other Course Information
This course has been designed to be offered on site in a traditional classroom or via the web with minimal on campus attendance.
Review and Approval
VPAA April 2005