Nursing Education: Challenges Exist Globally for the Diverse Learner - Juniper Publishers

 Juniper Publishers- Open Access Journal of Case Studies

Nursing Education: Challenges Exist Globally for the Diverse Learner

Authored by Sherry Arvidson

Opinion

The profession of nursing is dynamic. Change is eminent at various capacities. To stay on track with new technologies and methods of delivery, educators need to develop and adapt strategies to suit the needs of today's evolving learner. Knowledge gained from a recent conference in Las Vegas USA confirmed the issues existing in the realm of nursing education. Factors included cultural understandings, faculty shortages, workload concerns, lack of expertise to teach the designated content, and lack of resources. These factors were further complicated by the expectations of faculty to work on research projects and program tasks. The exchange of knowledge consisted of global challenges and the importance of cultural understandings that took place during the presentation and networking sessions.

Challenges brought forward clearly indicate the need for considerations and improvements in nursing education. Considerations to align faculty with the area of teaching expertise has been emphasized as a major issue. The time and effort that it takes to understand the content is endless. Developing instructional strategies that fit with the content and learner's needs have been described as a necessity for successful learning. The delivery of instructional methods may vary from one class to the next requiring multiple formats of instruction. Regardless of which method of instruction is used and the instructional strategy chosen, evaluation must follow. Without the evaluation process of receiving feedback, one cannot assume the instruction is effective.

Cultural understanding was one of the main barriers identified among nurse educators. Recognizing ways in which students learn may vary from one culture to the next. Language may pose barriers impacting student success. The process of conceptualizing information from cultural diverse individuals may add to the challenge of developing effective communication.

Recommendations to deal with the challenges consisted of creating and developing instructional strategies to support the diverse learner. Offering learners a choice of assignment selection, flexibility with exam format options, and having an open-door policy that focuses on the needs of diverse individuals. Developing course curriculum specific to the needs of the learner and today's society was important in community- based areas. Providing an environment that allows learners to apply content from the classroom to the community makes for rich and meaningful learning to transpire.

Providing learners with the support needed is important in the learning process. For educators and learners, being aware of the cultural challenges is important to foster an effective working relationship where the ultimate goal is success. Learners need to be open to their challenges and respect helpful relationships. Similarly, educators need to provide a learning environment that is conducive to the needs of the culturally diverse learner.

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