Throughout our lives we fit into the role of student and at other times we are the teacher. I believe that we all have something to learn and we all have something to teach. I have been able to develop as a student in many different situations and circumstances and understand the motivation and persistence that is necessary to succeed. With this understanding, as a teacher I can better meet the needs of my students.

Learning changes as one gains experience and knowledge. Adults apply learning that is relevant to their lives and past experiences. They tend to be motivated, self-directed learners who function very independently (Utley, 2011). With this in mind, I believe in allowing student-directed learning, where experiences and perceptions are shared to promote critical thinking and application. This allows students to recognize the importance and relevance of learning objectives and apply them to their practice. As connections and meanings are developed, the information will be internally stored and ready to be recalled when the opportunity arises (Carpenter-Aeby & Aeby, 2013).

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Active learning also encourages the storage of information. This involves doing anything that isn't lecturing and conducting discussions. It can include asking questions, lab work, group work, and assignments outside of class (Felder & Brent, 2009). Active learning helps students think and analyze what they've learned and aids in the learning process. This method is a key component to the cognitive theory of learning. I believe that to teach effectively, one must facilitate the learning process through providing resources that allow students to generate new knowledge and adapt this to their current state of knowledge (Berkley Graduate Division, 2016). As in cognitivism, I believe that learning is not passive but rather an active process and an educator is responsible for facilitating learning in this manner.

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While knowledge is very important to learning, students must know how to convert this information into application. I believe that students must come to class prepared to apply the knowledge acquired through textbooks, online modules, and study guides. Educators must use the student's foundation of knowledge to develop opportunities for increased understanding and critical thinking. This can be accomplished through case studies, scenarios, and brainstorming.

As a student gains knowledge and starts to connect this knowledge with application, the student advances from a novice to an advanced beginner. I believe that all things take time and experience as in Benner's theory of novice to expert (Nursing Theories, 2011). Learning is not a fast sprint to the finish but a marathon that takes time and effort. It requires motivation and a desire to prepare for the race and then, hard work and determination to succeed. Just as one trains for a marathon, students gain momentum and skill with application and practice. And while students may cross the finish line and enter the workforce as professional nurses, there are many more marathons to run as learning never really ends. As an educator, I hope to see all students progress to become confident and competent nurses and am committed to their success.