Why Do Nursing Instructors Rely So Heavily On PowerPoints To Teach?

Nursing Students General Students

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I have completed 3 semesters of Nursing School and so far, every lecture instructor has used PowerPoints in the classroom to teach. This method has been used probably 99% of the time. The PowerPoints are provided ahead of time for download on a website, so students can bring them to class. Then, the instructor projects the PowerPoint on a screen and READS it at us for the lecture period (3-4 hours). Occasionally, there is a student question or the instructor may add something.

Why is this type of "teaching" popular? Why am I spending money to go to class to have somebody read to me when I am fully capable of reading the same material in the comfort of my own home? It seems lazy and insulting to my intelligence.

Any thoughts? Does anyone else have this experience? Does anyone benefit from this method of instruction?

Powerpoint just takes the place of overheads that have been used forever. Some people learn better by seeing the written word- myself included. I am a person who only learns well by reading. I absorb nothing by hearing or seeing pictures. I have no idea why, my brain just works that way. Even math problems are easier for me if they are in sentence form. I am weird I guess. My strongest scores on tests- GMAT, GRE, ACT etc. are verbal.

I personally hate making powerpoint slides and would rather just do an overhead- much less work. But overheads are considered obsolete and geeky now. What would you rather she do- stand there and talk with no visuals?

Ohhhhh. I thought of clicker as being something else. I'm aware of teachers, particularly on the elementary level, using those clicking things to control their class. Granted, nursing school is very reminiscent of 5th grade.

Clickers...you know...you pinch it and it clicks. It's the same thing as the cricket clickers that paratroopers used to locate each other after jumping on the eve of the Normandy invasion.

I would seriously consider taking one of those away from the teacher, breaking it, and going to drop if I were clicked.

Specializes in CNA.
Why is this type of "teaching" popular?

Because many nursing school teachers are very good nurses and clinical instructors, but horrible theory lecturers.

Specializes in CNA.
This is exactly the kind of activity I'd prefer to not waste time in class doing. I gain nothing from listening to others calling out answers....and the tests always have a rationale for why one answer is right over the others. Clickers or not, I'd prefer to be listening to the Prof give us new information, or more depth information on the topics we're already covering.

I wish my first year instructors would have done more NCLEX practice questions in class - I would do one or two a day if I was an instructor. What works best in study groups is taking turns answering. One person answers and gives their rationale, then it is discussed.

I wish my first year instructors would have done more NCLEX practice questions in class - I would do one or two a day if I was an instructor. What works best in study groups is taking turns answering. One person answers and gives their rationale, then it is discussed.

I do them on my own and with a study group. I agree, they're great to do with a study group.....which kind of illustrates that it's a very worthwhile activity without a Prof there :)

Because many nursing school teachers are very good nurses and clinical instructors, but horrible theory lecturers.

Then again, think of the adage, "those that can - do; those that can't - teach." ;)

They use them because educators are required to cover all areas of learning styles, i.e. visual, auditory, etc... and power points are a great way to cover the visual learners! The only thing they haven't found an easy way to cover is the tactile learners, ha!

That is where lab practice comes in.

Then again, think of the adage, "those that can - do; those that can't - teach." ;)

That is just unfair. Most instructors continue to work as nurses to keep their skills up and many schools require this. To even get an instructor position you have to be very good in your field.

That is where lab practice comes in.

True, true!!

Specializes in nursing education.

THe clickers (or technically audience response sysytems) have been very successful. My students actually enjoy them. I use them during theory, and I have games I have made (using nclex style or exam style questions). It helps the students students be more active in class. It also allows thiose shy students to answer a question.

As to the coment those who can do-and those who can't teach- I find that offensive. I can and have done so for over 20 years. I have always wanted to teach. I love it when my students "get it"! It is very rewarding.

I can't please everyone. I do my best. Some students will get it others won't. I also will got he extra mile to help a student-but I will not put forth more effort than the student does. I will tutor, etc, if a student is really trying-but don't coem to me and say you are failing and you want me to fix it, and you haven't studied, or read the material.

THere are great instructors, and no so great ones. THere are great students and no so great ones. We can't generalize them. Some insructors should not teach-just as some students shoulsd not be nurses!

Just my opinions.

That is just unfair. Most instructors continue to work as nurses to keep their skills up and many schools require this. To even get an instructor position you have to be very good in your field.

lol ok if you say so

I didn't imply everyone fit that mold. I just wanted to reiterate that the thought ought to cross through your mind when consuming a lecture.

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