Principles of Teaching and Learning

Catalog description

The focus of this course is on role development of the nurse as educator and is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to educate various audiences in a variety of settings with efficiency and effectiveness. It is a comprehensive coverage, both in scope and depth, of the essential components of the education process and the principles of teaching and learning. Designed to increase students' proficiency in educating others, it takes into consideration the needs and characteristics of the learner as well as how to choose and use the most appropriate instructional techniques and strategies by which to optimize learning. Although the theories and concepts addressed in this course can be applied to any audience of learners, the focus is on patient education. An understanding of the basics of teaching and learning allows the educator to function as a "guide by the side" and as a "facilitator" of learning, rather than merely as a "giver of information". This approach enables clients to act as responsible partners in their own health care. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to assess, teach, and evaluate learners at all stages of development based on their learning needs, learning styles, and readiness to learn. Students conduct critical analysis of education materials, apply research findings to patient education, and consider the legal, ethical, economic, and political aspects of health care delivery on patient education.