Core Competency 1: Developing Discipline-Related Teaching Strategie
Description of Competency
Core Competency 1 seeks to develop discipline-related teaching strategies. Specifically, this competency requires that student select appropriate pedagogical approaches to teaching concepts specific to a discipline.
Provide an artifact and artifact rationale
This competency was met through completing two discipline specific courses.
NUR 861: Nursing Education Curriculum Design
This course provided an analysis and application of theories, principles, and concepts associated with curriculum development, design, and evaluation.
Course learning objectives included:
NUR 866: Academic Internship in Nursing Education
This course included a guided field internship within an academic or health care setting. Synthesis and application of concepts to facilitate development of the advanced practice nurse as scholar, teacher, and collaborator.
Course learning objectives included:
Interpret/reflect on learning
What skills and techniques did I learn that will help me become a better educator?
The two courses provided a wealth of information on what goes on behind the scenes. For example, the nursing curriculum is like a giant puzzle. Each of the course objectives are evaluated to ensure that the program is meeting the objectives put forth by national consensus groups (such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice) and accreditation agencies. Therefore, changing a course objective can have implications across the program. As an educator, it is important for me to understand how each of these pieces are integrated into the whole.
An additional concept which has been extremely important is understanding backwards design. Throughout both courses, I have learned to begin by focusing on the lesson objectives (and learning how to write effective objectives) and then working backwards to select instructional and assessment measures. Understanding this process enables me to focus on learner outcomes instead of focusing on adding content.
What things am I still uncertain about regarding this topic that I need to investigate further in the future?
Overall the courses as a whole provide a comprehensive introduction to teaching within the discipline of nursing. I think I am most uncertain of my skills. I have a great conceptual understanding but what does this look like when I put these ideas into practice? This requires me to get involved in teaching to try out methods and to become more confident in my teaching abilities.
How can I apply materials from this session to my own class to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning?
I am already applying these materials during my teaching practicum. Specifically, I have used the concept of backwards design to create my lessons. The course sessions on writing lesson objectives and student assessment methods have (and will continue) to play an important role in my understanding of the nursing educator role.
Core Competency 1 seeks to develop discipline-related teaching strategies. Specifically, this competency requires that student select appropriate pedagogical approaches to teaching concepts specific to a discipline.
Provide an artifact and artifact rationale
This competency was met through completing two discipline specific courses.
NUR 861: Nursing Education Curriculum Design
This course provided an analysis and application of theories, principles, and concepts associated with curriculum development, design, and evaluation.
Course learning objectives included:
- Evaluate elements of a nursing program, including curriculum development and design
- Synthesize teaching-learning theories in a nursing curriculum design
- Integrate the components of student-centered instruction in nursing curriculum
- Develop a personal philosophy of education
NUR 866: Academic Internship in Nursing Education
This course included a guided field internship within an academic or health care setting. Synthesis and application of concepts to facilitate development of the advanced practice nurse as scholar, teacher, and collaborator.
Course learning objectives included:
- Integrate the nurse educator role in the planning, development, design, and assessment of student learning within the academic and clinical environments.
- Utilize a variety of theoretical and empirically based strategies to develop, implement, and evaluate a teaching plan designed for a diverse group of learners.
- Integration and evaluation of technology and information literacy skills within nursing education.
- Apply teaching strategies that foster a positive academic climate and facilitates student learning.
- Evaluate teaching effectiveness trough peer, preceptor, faculty, and self-evaluation processes.
- Assume a leadership role in the development, design, delivery, and evaluation of an innovative evidence-based teaching/learning methodology to inform practice.
- Development of a philosophy of teaching statement and professional portfolio.
Interpret/reflect on learning
What skills and techniques did I learn that will help me become a better educator?
The two courses provided a wealth of information on what goes on behind the scenes. For example, the nursing curriculum is like a giant puzzle. Each of the course objectives are evaluated to ensure that the program is meeting the objectives put forth by national consensus groups (such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice) and accreditation agencies. Therefore, changing a course objective can have implications across the program. As an educator, it is important for me to understand how each of these pieces are integrated into the whole.
An additional concept which has been extremely important is understanding backwards design. Throughout both courses, I have learned to begin by focusing on the lesson objectives (and learning how to write effective objectives) and then working backwards to select instructional and assessment measures. Understanding this process enables me to focus on learner outcomes instead of focusing on adding content.
What things am I still uncertain about regarding this topic that I need to investigate further in the future?
Overall the courses as a whole provide a comprehensive introduction to teaching within the discipline of nursing. I think I am most uncertain of my skills. I have a great conceptual understanding but what does this look like when I put these ideas into practice? This requires me to get involved in teaching to try out methods and to become more confident in my teaching abilities.
How can I apply materials from this session to my own class to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning?
I am already applying these materials during my teaching practicum. Specifically, I have used the concept of backwards design to create my lessons. The course sessions on writing lesson objectives and student assessment methods have (and will continue) to play an important role in my understanding of the nursing educator role.