E-portfolio Laura Nash

Teaching Philosophy

Learning is a fundamental human experience, we are curious by nature, starting in infancy and carrying on throughout the life span. Lifelong learning is, experiential, contextual and relative. Learning is a collaborative process. An educator can not be an expert in everything, therefore nurse education is more of a partnership, learners and educators learn from one another, it is not authoritative, the educator remains a learner. I believe learning occurs best when it is provided in a safe, positive environment. When the learner feels safe to express themselves, ask questions and critically reflect on the information being provided they are able to retain more information and apply it in context. For adult learners the topic must be relevant, must build on what they already know, and must be presented in a respectful, safe manner. In nursing specifically, the environment for learning can often be chaotic; short staffing, complex patients, and limited space and resources, present a significant challenge. As an educator we must do our best to create an optimal teaching environment for learning to occur. An educator must possess empathy, patience, compassion and commitment to be relatable and respected. It is important to note that many factors contribute to the success of teaching and learning and different methods of material delivery is required to reach the majority of learners. Educators must include different teaching modalities when creating a learning plan.

Applying the principles of adult learning theory into practice utilizes a learner centred approach to education. We must create environments that respect autonomy and convey trust, as well as build learning plans based on adult learning theory. For example; when changes to clinical practice are the subject of the teaching session, it improves motivation for self directed learning when the adult understands the ‘why’ behind the reason for the change. Context is very important and we as educators must come prepared with the reasons behind the practice change. Providing a solution to an identified problem is another way to increase understanding and willingness to learn.

Because the healthcare environment is always evolving and new research influences changes in practice, nurse educators are imperative to the delivery of safe healthcare by providing the education frontline nurses require to remain current in practice. Nurses need to remain up to date with practice changes to provide the best care possible to the people they serve. Beyond the bedside, nurse educators influence changes to policy, changes to the delivery of education, and evaluation of the knowledge of nurses within an organization. They identify problems with delivery of care, assess the current knowledge of the nurses, create lesson plans utilizing different teaching and learning theories, establish a safe learning environment, carry out the teaching sessions, and evaluate the learning that has occurred.

Learning is a lifelong, natural process that is most effective in a safe, supportive environment where individuals can ask questions, reflect, and engage freely. For adult learners, education must be relevant, respectful, and build on prior knowledge. In nursing, where environments can be busy and unpredictable, educators must create optimal learning conditions and use varied teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs. A learner-centered approach based on adult learning theory emphasizes autonomy, trust, and understanding the “why” behind practice changes to enhance motivation and engagement. Nurse educators play a vital role in maintaining safe, up-to-date care by teaching current practices, influencing policy, identifying knowledge gaps, designing educational plans, and evaluating learning outcomes. Nurse educators improve outcomes by creating safe, relevant, engaging, and flexible learning environments that actively involve learners and connect theory to practice.