Introduction
Nursing education and courses need to have active learning strategies to help students capture what is taught in class. Learners are able to effectively apply the skills taught in the class in the real world as a result of the tutors using active learning strategies(Billings, 2020). The learning strategies are also essential as they help students gain more knowledge relating to the nursing course. The ultimate goal of nursing courses can be gained when the learning institutions can make use of active learning strategies to teach students. In the understanding of effective learning strategies, the presentation has relied on the infection control course.
Introduction to Infection Control
Infection control is among the nursing courses that highly depend on active learning strategies. As a course, infection control helps students to understand the course of a certain disease, the treatment, and how to prevent diseases. Therefore, the course entails a lot of research, hence creating a need to use active learning strategies when training the students (Christensen, 2020). For example, through active learning strategies, the students will learn how microorganisms transmit infections in the ecosystem. Therefore, through active learning strategies, students will gain the skills required to control infection of the diseases.
In learning institutions, materials used for teaching play a big part in equipping the students with relevant knowledge of the subject. Methods used by the tutors to train the students to determine the capability of students to master competent skills in their field. The first teaching method used by the learning institution is the use of lectures. This involves giving the students notes and explaining to them key concepts relating to infection control (Billings, 2020). The teaching program will also involve the use of discussions whereby students will have to form discussion groups in which they will be tackling some of the key areas in the course.
Effective learning must have learning procedures that guide both learners and tutors to plan for the schedule of work. Teaching procedures give students direction on how to conduct their research, revision, and studies (Billings, 2020). Some of the procedures that can be used when teaching an infection control course entail creating a good introduction to the course, using intensive lectures, and engaging students in discussions.
Objectives of the Lesson
Learning objectives help the student to capture the key skills and knowledge needed for nurses. The first objective of using an active learning strategy comprises the cognitive domain. The cognitive domain helps the student to differentiate different types of infections (Billings, 2020). The cognitive domain also helps the students to get differentiated skills and knowledge needed in the nursing field.
The second objective domain is affection. The affection domain helps students gain key skills and knowledge needed In the nursing and medical field. The affective domain is comprised of the feelings, emotions, and attitudes of an individual (Linsenmeyer, 2021). This domain helps the students to express their interest in learning about individual returns. Students will be able to cooperate with others in groups. Furthermore, learners finds an opportunity to be able to respect other people’s ideas in the class.
The last domain of objectives is psychomotor. The psychomotor objective will help in shaping the students on how to adapt o the new change. The active learning activities are diversified and engage students in multiple changes (Billings, 2020). Therefore, as a result of the psychomotor domain, students will be in a better position to participate effectively in the practical activities that come along with the active learning strategies.
Effective Learning Strategies
Different strategies used by active learning help the students in gaining more knowledge in relation to nursing courses. The major strategies used in active learning comprise think-pair, gallery walk, and Jigsaw. Think pair strategy helps the students to engage actively in the course by formulating questions and discussing with the fellows how certain problems can be solved(Linsenmeyer, 2021). The strategy helps the students to share knowledge on infection control amongst themselves. Groups can be formed that allow students to interact and share ideas. Students also get a chance to hear ideas from their teachers and other students.
The second strategy that is used un the active learning gallery walk. The strategy helps equip the students with the relevant skills and knowledge that align with the course and specific topics. The strategy involves the aspect of posting questions and leaving them for students to walk around the room and get answers. This strategy is effective when introducing a new topic(Christensen, 2020). Students will be equipped with a wide knowledge of the topic. A discussion can be posted to students to determine their ideas and views on the topic.
The last strategy is the Jigsaw strategy, which helps students to be cooperate effectively with others before specializing in their specific areas of study. Students will be formed into small groups that will help them to research a specific topic. The tutors will have to give specific assignments to specific groups of the students, hence being in a position to identify the capabilities of the students. (Linsenmeyer, 2021). All groups are then brought together once each group has mastered their piece. Jigsaw is the strategy to use when introducing a new topic.
How the Chosen Strategies Support Instruction and Learning Students
Active learning strategies are essential in any learning organization. It is through the strategy that students are able to apply real learning mechanisms like reading. The use of an active learning strategy promotes analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of the class content. Furthermore, students can apply good communication skills in their lives (Christensen, 2020). The strategies help students to transform and understand concepts with regard to infection control easily. Learning methods develop confidence among the students, and this helps in career growth. Discussions and debates help students in the development of their critical thinking capabilities in line with the field of the study.
The strategies and methods used in active learning are strategized at making the students gain relevant skills and knowledge relating to nursing courses. As a result of intensive activities involved in active learning, the students and lecturers are in a better position of forming good relationships, which boosts their earnings. Active learning strategies keep students engaged in infection control by undertaking practically (Christensen, 2020. Learners achieve deeper levels of understanding of the program. Both instructors and learners develop problem-solving skills.
Active learning strategies are of much use in the education system. For instance, when dealing with a technical course like nursing, the strategy helps both the lecturers and the students on how to solve questions in relation to the course (Billings, 2020). Instructors are able to gain skills that can be helpful in managing intergroup conflicts that may arise as a result of misunderstandings among the students.
Application of Active Learning Strategies in Summative Assessment
Institutions utilize summative assessment when measuring the learning capabilities of the students. Summative assessment plays a key role in helping the learners gauge their capabilities, and new skills learned from the active learning strategy. Active learning strategies can be used in summative assessments of learning in different ways (Billings, 2020). This may include deterring the capability of the students, the gained experience and skills, and performance evaluation. The active learning strategies are used during the project
The think pair strategy allows the student to critically analyze the learning materials and methods hence helping the upcoming nurses equipped with relevant learning skills. The decision-making process is promoted by the aspect of critical thinking capabilities among the students. With a jigsaw strategy, students can easily apply the content in the learning materials (Linsenmeyer, 2021). Students also participate actively through discussions and debates on the learning materials. Group discussion equips students with the courage needed in the field of nursing. Therefore, the effective application of active learning strategies helps when conducting a summative assessment.
Application of Active Learning Strategies in Formative Assessment
Teachers rely on formative assessment when evaluating the student’s progress in line with the course. Formative assessment is also useful in understanding the needs and requirements of the students in the entire course (Linsenmeyer, 2021). A combination of formative assessments and active learning strategies helps in the identification of the key objectives that could help learners gain more knowledge. Students are left to do research on their own, which equips them with the research capabilities.
Another application of the active learning strategy is the aspect of brainstorming among the students. Brainstorming will involve the aspect of learners forming groups and thinking of a possible solution that can be used n the course to improve its learning objectives (Billings, 2020). The students are also left to conduct the research on their own, and this one is able to develop the courage and capabilities needed in the nursing course.
Importance of Academic Accreditation of Nursing Program
The accreditation process should be focused on the improvement of the quality of nursing education provided by the educational institution. The ACEN and CCNE state all learning institutions should be focused on improving the quality of education among the students because this will guarantee qualified and credible employees in the future. Academic accreditation is essential as it creates wide job opportunities for the graduates after their stay in the school (Monsen, 2019). Accredited programs ensure that nursing course has the right content needed by the professional bodies. Through accredited programs, competent nurses who can face different challenges in the workplace are produced.
Through accreditation of the learning programs, nurses can get proven quality education standards. Another benefit is financial aid available, such as scholarships. Students are better positioned to apply for scholarships to fund their studies when in an accredited school. Facilitates and creates room for career preparedness. It creates a good pathway for graduates, which helps them perform excellently in the place of their field (Billings, 2020).
Major Accreditation Bodies for NursingNursing Accreditation Commission
Accreditation bodies are essential in ensuring that the quality of nursing education provided by the learning institution meet the needed standards in the healthcare industry. Some of the major accreditation bodies in America comprise of America nurses credentialing center (ANCC), national league for nursing accreditation commission (NLNAC), and the commission on collegiate nursing education (CCNE) (Christensen, 2020). The primary objective of accreditation bodies is to ensure that the nurses graduating from the colleges are competitive in the market and can help shaping the healthcare system by providing quality services.
The Role of Nurse Education
The role of nursing education is wide as it shapes nurses who provide credible services in different healthcare departments. Therefore, it is the responsible f the learning institutions providing the nursing course to ensure that the students get quality and credibility that will help them to execute their services to the public in a credible manner (Ard et al., 2017). It is important to note that quality education can be attained with adequate resources, faculty, and facilities. Furthermore, quality education can be achieved by furnishing the students with updated materials for learning. Students also need to get updated with the new healthcare trends.
Nurse education is also obligated to invest both time and money in ensuring that all the learning institutions give credible education that is up to the needed standards in the learning institutions. Nurses are prepared and nurtured by nursing education, hence the need to equip them with the required techniques that will help in fit into society (Ard et al., 2017). The learning institutions help in the evaluation of the graduates to ensure that competent nurses are released into the healthcare system.
Conclusion
Conclusively, learning institutions should embrace active learning strategies when teaching technical courses. The strategies help students to capture large content that can not be captured n normal learning. Some of the strategies involve using different methods, materials, and tools effective for learning among the students (Christensen, 2020). The methods used in the active learning strategies equip students to get real concepts that are helpful in transforming the education system of the country. The active learning strategies also prepare students to cope with the job market and learn how to apply their skills effectively.
For instance, the active learning strategies equip the students with practical examples of how infection can be controlled. Learning education is also made up of the key objectives that help students gain more knowledge as far as nursing education is concerned (Christensen, 2020). The major objectives of the study are divided into the cognitive domain, affective domain, and Psychomotor domain. The effective learning strategies include; the think pair strategy, gallery walks, and jigsaw strategies. Major accreditation bodies for nursing programs are ANCC, CCNE, and NLNAC. The learning institution must embrace the use of active learning strategies in order to empower nurses with quality and credible nursing skills.
References
Ard, N., Beasley, S., & Nunn-Ellison, K. (2017). Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing: Your Supportive Partner in Successful Nursing Accreditation. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 12(4), 234–236. Web.
Billings, D.M., & Halstead, J.A., (2020). Teaching in Nursing E-Book (6th ed.). Saunders. ISBN: 9780323570374
Christensen, L. S., & Simmons, L. E. (2020). The scope of practice for academic nurse educators and academic clinical nurse educators (3rd ed.). National League for Nursing. ISBN: 978-1975151928
Linsenmeyer, M. (2021). Brief Activities: Questioning, Brainstorming, Think-Pair-Share, Jigsaw, and Clinical Case Discussions. IAMSE Manuals, 39–66. Web.
Monsen. (2019). CCNE accreditation: American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Aacnnursing.org. Web.