Facilitate Learning

NLN Core Competency I: Facilitate Learning

Nurse educators facilitate learning in a wide variety of ways. Not only must they understand what they are teaching, but they must identify the best ways to engage students to learn. Developing a personal teaching style, demonstrating knowledge and expertise, and using a variety of teaching methods are a few of the ways that nurse educators can be effective (Halstead, 2007).

Developing a personal teaching style will be important to facilitate learning. I really want to find what works for me and identify 'my style.' I think we each have our own way in which we will teach and connect with students. Once we find what works, we can fine tune and improve it so that it is effective. Personal style is important in establishing connections with students, constructing teaching goals, and creating intellectual excitement (Halstead, 2007). I believe that when we are being true to our self we are more confident and can display this by being more personable and respectful with our students.

As a nurse educator, I plan to develop key skills, knowledge, and attitudes from competency one that will help me to facilitate learning. These include the following:

1. Implements a variety of teaching strategies appropriate to learner needs, desired learner outcomes, content, and context.

Halstead (2007) states that having a student-centered approach to teaching and a willingness to learn new skills and teaching strategies is important to effective teaching. A study found that using a mixture of teaching strategies that suited the learning context was the best teaching method. I completely agree with a student-focused approach to teaching and think that using this approach creatively can help students learn. There are many ways to learn and I believe it will be beneficial to have classes that add variety. I plan to incorporate new technology, methods, and student ideas into my teaching to try and reach all learners.

2. Engages in self-reflection and continued learning to improve teaching practices that facilitate learning.

Halstead (2007) discusses reflection and how it can help evaluate and plan future class activities. I think reflection is important. It gives the educator time to take a step back and view how the class went from the outside looking in. Were the objectives met? Did the students actively participate? Did learning and critical thinking occur? Were the students bored? Was I prepared? What could I do better next time? It gives the educator a chance to recognize what didn't work well and what did. I think it's important to reflect after a class but also at the end of a semester and view the class as a whole. Were the assignments appropriate? Did they encourage learning and help students reach their learning objectives?

3. Shows enthusiasm for teaching, learning, and nursing that inspires and motivates students.

I believe that nurse educators can have a huge impact on students just by having a positive attitude. I love learning and I want my students to love learning. I also love being a nurse and want my students to develop that love as well. Nursing school is difficult and nurse educators can motivate students to keep going and push forward when things get hard. I love sharing my personal nurse stories with others to help them look toward the future and recognize what great things lay in store for them.

4. Demonstrates interest in and respect for learners.

I believe it is important to know each student by name and demonstrate interest in their learning and lives. Giving appropriate feedback is important to the educator-student relationship. The way a teacher gives feedback is important to a student's self-esteem and self-worth. Students need to feel that the teacher cares about their success and respects them (Halstead, 2007). In one study it found that effective clinical behaviors included not criticizing students in front of others, not belittling students, explaining clearly, and being open-minded and nonjudgmental. It's hard to receive feedback that isn't completely positive and thus it is important to learn how to give feedback in an appropriate way that will help the student and not defeat them.

Reference

Halstead, J. A. (2007). Nurse educator competencies: Creating an evidence-based practice for nurse educators. New York, NY: National League for Nursing.