Nurse educators use several instructional methods to help improve student engagement, build nursing students’ soft skills, adapt to different learning styles, encourage independent learning/research and instill practical awareness and knowledge.
To cultivate these principles, nurse educators must prepare the next generation of nursing students with instructional methods that benefit all individuals. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Education online program from Youngstown State University equip graduates with the necessary nursing education skills to teach best care and research practices to the future generation of nurses.
The top instructional methods most nurse educators use within their classrooms include the following:
- Lectures: Lecturing allows students to retain information through visuals, audio and hands-on information, which is beneficial because they can comprehend information at a new level when the instructor actively guides them through the material.
- Concept Mapping: This method focuses on visual learning strategies. Students see the information conceptualized in front of them rather than being lectured to. It allows students to make their own connections with the material by grouping specific characteristics together.
- Games: One of the most effective ways students learn and retain information is through interactive games. These games can relate to trivia or questions that spark the memorization of knowledge. It is a fun and easy way to engage students and teach them important concepts.
- Problem-Based Learning: Problem-based learning allows instructors to teach based on real-life situations in the healthcare setting. Students gain experience by simulating what it is like to work in a hospital or clinical environment. It allows them to think critically about science and clinical nursing experience.
- The Flipped Classroom Model: This model is known as “active learning.” Per Harvard University, “a flipped classroom is structured around the idea that lecture or direct instruction is not the best use of class time. Instead, students encounter information before class, freeing class time for activities that involve higher order thinking.” Benefits include flexibility, personal responsibility, deeper learning and retention, closer connection to instructors and increased student collaboration.
Benefits of Teaching Strategies
According to Indeed, the following represent benefits students can experience when an instructor incorporates different teaching strategies:
- Student engagement: If students are encouraged to participate in class and help solve problems or engage in clinical nursing skills, they will be more inclined to stay on top of their studies.
- Student relationships: Especially in clinical settings or hands-on activities, students will need to work in groups to solve problems, developing connections with their classmates.
- Opportunities to build skills: With every activity completed in the classroom, students can build their nursing skills to succeed in the healthcare environment.
- Acknowledgment of different learning styles: When instructors incorporate different learning styles, content will appeal to all learners.
Teaching strategies allow students to thrive in an environment that appeals to them, regardless of the methods used. Sometimes, instructors incorporate multiple teaching styles to better serve their students, further engaging them with the nursing material.
Changes in the Teaching Landscape
As more nursing programs move to an online format, nurse educators must transition into a new teaching landscape — while ensuring every educational base is covered.
YSU’s online program allow students to learn in a manner that adjusts to their schedules and encourages them to use technology to their advantage. However, they can still participate in hands-on activities and clinical experiences that guide them through the nursing program. Advancements in simulation technologies allow online programs to mimic in-person experiences.
Shape Your Nurse Education With a Master’s Degree
One way to shape your nurse education as a professional is to further your career and earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Those who enroll in the MSN – Nursing Education online program at Youngstown State University will strengthen their nursing skill set and gain a better understanding of curriculum and instruction development. This foundation will prepare them to guide the future of nursing.
Students will advance their nursing careers by expanding their knowledge of educational concepts. This program prepares nurses to work in both clinical and academic settings.
The program allows all students to explore the concepts, theories and research related to the nurse educator role, including teaching, learning technology, evaluation strategies, leadership and marketing skills. For example, the Nursing Curriculum Design course covers the basics of nursing curriculum development, design and implementation to improve the future of nursing. In the Nursing Instructional Methods course, students delve into the foundations and analysis of teaching strategies within the nursing field.
Graduates will obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to enter influential roles in various disciplines, such as nursing faculty, clinical educator, hospital educator, program manager or patient educator.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online MSN – Nursing Education program.
