Cassie Moffitt
NURS 5327
January 22, 2017
What Meaningful Learning Means to Me
Bagnasco, et al. (2015) defines meaningful learning as “an active process that promotes a wider and deeper understanding of concepts.”I agree with this, but I would add that meaningful learning extends past the understanding of a concept. Meaningful learning occurs when the learner realizes they know and can do more than they ever thought possible.
A personal example involves my OB rotation from undergraduate nursing. I had no interest because I had very little outside experience. Duringone clinical rotation, I experienced holding the hand of a first-time mother throughout her birthing experience. I helped coach her labor in Spanish (I’m not fluent), placed her Foley catheter, and started her IV on the first try. I acted as her advocate with a physician who was treating her unkindly. Later, I went with her to the operating room, and was an active participant. At the end of my day, a brand-new mother and I were smiling at each other. I still didn’t care for OB, but the day was easily my best clinical experience because I understood I didn’t have to know everything to be a good advocate.
The fact that such a meaningful experience transpired in a setting I didn’t want to be in is a testament to the instructor. I often tell students I’m precepting, “Even if you don’t want to be here today, let’s try to get something out of this day that you’ll always remember.”Then I attempt to create a meaningful experience like my own.
The Teaching/Learning Process
Ibegin the process by asking the learner what they would like to achieve or what they know. Response requires self-reflection.Thisis empowering because the learnerbecomes active in their own learning process. Then, I provide background information to build a foundation. Providing real-world and hands-on experiences are vital to the process. I ask questions to gauge what the learner has retained; I appreciate when learners ask questions of me.
The Teaching/Learning Environment
As an instructor—as with nursing—flexibility is key. As different learners learn best in different ways, they also learn best in different environments. Some people learn best in a classroom or auditorium setting; others learn best in labs. Still others learn best online. Incorporating a variety of teaching methods contributes to an effective learning environment in any setting. If I can combine environments, that’s excellent.
Rapport with Students
The most effective way to establish rapport with students is empathy. I can count on one hand the number of instructors and preceptors that made me feel like they wanted to contribute to my growth. I promised myself that if I ever had the opportunity to teach, I would make sure to provide meaningful learning experience
This is not to say that boundaries aren’t important. Building rapport with students does facilitate a positive learning experience. However, true learning isn’t possible without established roles as instructor and learner. Rapport should involve a mutual respect that allows the instructor to provide positive reinforcement, as well as constructive criticism and fair grading. Likewise, rapport should also allow for a student to feel safe in asking questions and assistance. They should also feel safe providing constructive feedback so I can adjust my teaching methods to reach more students.
Hopes and Dreams
My goalfor students is a sense ofaccomplishment based on effortper prescribed grading policies.Students need to understand that success doesn’t require perfection. That said, my philosophy is this: if a student can leave my classroom with the confidence that comes with understanding and discernment, then I will consider myself successful.
References
Bagnasco, A., Cadorin, L., Tolotti, A., Pagnucci, N., Rocco, G., & Sasso, L. (2014). Instruments measuring meaningful learning in undergraduate healthcare students: a systematic review protocol.Journal of Advanced Nursing,71(3), 655-664. doi:10.1111/jan.12520