Teaching and Learning and Strategies in a Diverse Population
Students need to understand the importance and application of adult learning theories and teaching strategies within a diverse population.
As a new instructor in a MSN program, you have been assigned to teach medication administration to your students. Your course is made up of adult learners, from a diversity of cultures and ages. When considering the adult learners, how do they learn best? You will write a 3–4-page paper (Excluding title page and references) that includes a comparison and contrasting of four learning theories of your choice. You will need to include how understanding adult learning principles and/or theories can add to your effectiveness as a nurse educator.
For each of the three domains of learning, please select one teaching strategy related to medication administration: Cognitive, Psychomotor and Affective, and provide a rationale for your selection.
Please use Level One headings for each category:
- Introduction
- Adult learners: how do they learn best?
- Compare and contrast four learning theories
- Adult learning theory and effectiveness as nurse educator
- Teaching strategies: Cognitive, Psychomotor and Affective
- Conclusion
Please include a minimum of four peer reviewed scholarly sources. All papers should have an introduction, as well as a conclusion. All Assignments should follow APA 6th edition format.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: As a nurse educator, understanding the principles of adult learning and utilizing effective teaching strategies is crucial in educating a diverse group of adult learners. This paper will discuss the best ways for adult learners to learn, compare and contrast four learning theories, and provide teaching strategies for medication administration in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains.
Adult learners: how do they learn best?
To effectively teach medication administration to a diverse group of adult learners, it is essential to understand how these individuals learn best. Adult learners generally have a wealth of experience that they use to facilitate learning. They are more self-directed and motivated to learn and are goal-oriented. Furthermore, adults bring their cultures, beliefs, and values to the learning environment. Therefore, instructors should strive to create a learning environment that is open, respectful, and inclusive of diverse cultures.
Compare and contrast four learning theories
The following four learning theories will be compared and contrasted:
1. Social Learning Theory
2. Cognitive Learning Theory
3. Humanistic Learning Theory
4. Experiential Learning Theory
Social learning theory posits that individuals learn through observing and imitating others. In contrast, cognitive learning theory suggests that learning occurs through the processing and organization of information in the brain. Humanistic learning theory emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, and experiential learning theory suggests that individuals learn through reflection on past experiences.
Adult learning theory and effectiveness as a nurse educator
Understanding adult learning principles and theories can facilitate the design of effective and appropriate learning experiences for adult learners. By acknowledging the cultural and experiential background of adult learners, instructors can create a learning environment that is relevant, respectful, and meaningful. This type of environment promotes a higher level of engagement, retention, and success among learners.
Teaching strategies: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective
Cognitive teaching strategies aim to provide learners with an understanding of the principles and concepts of medication administration. These strategies may include lecture-based instruction, case studies, and problem-based learning.
Psychomotor teaching strategies center on helping learners acquire and apply the skill sets necessary for medication administration. These strategies may include role-playing exercises, simulations, and hands-on training.
Affective teaching strategies aim to address the personal beliefs, values, and attitudes that affect the administration of medication by learners. These strategies may include group discussions, reflective writing exercises, and values clarification exercises.
Conclusion
Understanding adult learners and the theories of adult learning is crucial in designing and delivering effective learning experiences. Utilizing appropriate cognitive, psychomotor, and affective teaching strategies can facilitate the development of nurse learners’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for safe medication administration.
