Applying Learning Theories to Nursing Curriculum and Programs

Theorists have always been interested in how people learn. They have created and refined learning theories and provided authentic examples of human motivation and learning preferences. Much research has also been conducted on how educators teach others. Literature suggests that even when educators did not believe that they were using a theory, they were in fact using one or more to drive their instruction. Though nurse educators may naturally incorporate theories into their instruction, great care should be taken to consciously incorporate theories into the design and presentation of the curriculum. Doing so will not only benefit diverse learners but also aid in the curriculum development process.

In this Discussion, you explore how learning theories offer distinct strategies, approaches, and considerations.

To prepare:

• Review the learning theories presented in this week’s Learning Resources. How can each theory, or combination of theories, guide the curriculum development process?
• Reflect on the curriculum or program that your team is developing for your Course Project. In addition, reflect on the learning needs and diverse learning styles of your students/staff/patients.
• Select one learning theory that you could apply to your team’s curriculum or program. Consider how this learning theory could guide your team’s curriculum development process.  
• Access the “VARK: A Guide to Learning Styles” website, also found in this week’s Learning Resources. Complete the learning styles assessment and review your scores and learning preferences. These results will assist you in your response post.

Note: For the purposes of this Discussion, individually reflect and respond to this prompt. After Day 3, you can then use the insights shared in each of your postings to further collaborate with your team and identify learning theories that are applicable to your Course Project

"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"

Criteria for Content

1. Introduction 

       The introduction substantively presents all the following elements: 

• Identifies the role of concept analysis within theory development.
• Identifies the selected nursing concept.
• Identifies the nursing theory that addresses the selected concept.
• Names the sections of the paper.
• Scholarly support is required.

1. Definition/Explanation of the selected nursing concept

This section includes:

• Defines/explains the concept using scholarly literature (a  dictionary maybe used for this section ONLY, and additional scholarly  nursing references are required).
• A substantive discussion of this section with support from nursing literature is required.

1. Literature review

This section requires:

• A substantive discussion of at least 3 (three) scholarly nursing literature sources on the selected concept.
• Themes, ideas, and/or facts about the concept found in the reviewed sources are presented in an organized fashion.
• Support from nursing literature is required. Please Note: Primary research articles about the selected nursing concept are the most useful resource for the literature review.

1. Defining attributes, for this section: 

• A minimum of THREE (3) attributes are required.
• A substantive discussion of this section with support from nursing literature is required

Explanation:  An attribute identifies characteristics of a  concept.  For this situation, the characteristics of the selected  nursing concept are identified and discussed.

1. Antecedent and Consequence

This section requires the identification of:

• 1 antecedent of the selected nursing concept.
• 1 consequence of the selected nursing concept.
• A substantive discussion of the element with support from nursing literature is required.

Explanation:  An antecedent is an identifiable occurrence that  precedes an event.  In this situation, an antecedent precedes a  selected nursing concept. A consequence follows or is the result of an  event.  In this situation a consequence follows or is the result of the  selected nursing concept. 

1. Empirical Referents

This section requires the identification of:

• 2 (two) empirical referents of the selected nursing concept.
• A substantive discussion of the element with support from nursing literature is required.

Explanation:  An empirical referent is an objective ways to measure or determine the presence of the selected nursing concept.

1. Construct Cases 

Explanation: hypothetical or real-life situations demonstrating the use or absence of the concept.

This section requires the creation of a model case, borderline case, and contrary case.

• 1 Model Case is created by the student and discussed substantively by demonstrating within the case each of the following areas: 
  • Definition
  • All identified attributes

Explanation:  A model case is an example of a hypothetical or  real-life situation that demonstrates all of the attributes noted  previously in this assignment.

• 1 Borderline Case is created by the student in which one or two of the previously identified attributes are missing.
• 1 Contrary Case is created by the student that  demonstrates the opposite of the selected nursing concepts. All  identified attributes of the concept are absent in this cas
• Explanation:  Borderline case is a created case where one or two  of the previously identified attributes are missing. Contrary case is a  created case that demonstrate the complete opposite of the selected  nursing concept – all identified attributes are missing.

1. Theoretical Applications of the Concept 
   • Discuss the purpose of a concept analysis in relationship to theory.
   • Explain how the concept applies to the selected nursing theory.
   • A substantive discussion of the element with support from nursing literature is required.
2. Conclusion

This section requires:

• Summarization of key information regarding: 
  • Selected nursing concept.
  • Selected nursing theory.
  • Application of concept analysis findings to advanced practice  nursing (specific to selected specialty track professional role and/or  area of practice).
• The concluding statements include self-reflection on the new  knowledge gained from conducting a concept analysis. (Self-reflection  may be written in first-person.)

"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"