New Nursing Faculty

[Dr.KP]

Hello,

I have been a clinical instructor for nursing students for about 3 years. As a clinical instructor I have overheard some of the students complain about the style of teaching (just being read the material). I have currently accepted a position as full time faculty. I will be teaching Medical-Surgical Nursing (Adult 1) which is the first clinical course. I have been given the lecture notes from the instructors that I will co-teach from. I really want to make my class my own while using the material given. I have developed a Jeopardy game for my first lecture which is fluid and electrolytes. Are there any other ideas for interactive learning that any nursing faculty have incorporated into your classroom that your students loved?

[llg, PhD, RN]

I suggest you buy one of the many books written on this subject. There are books that include all kinds of creative teaching ideas, games, learning exercises, etc. You can get a whole lot of ideas about "active learning" that way.

Just remember -- not every student likes to play games in class. Sometimes, a straightforward, easy-to-follow lecture is the best way to teach something -- especially if you need to explain something. As long as you don't rely too heavily on lecture -- and as long as you have a pleasing personality that comes through during the lecture. It's usually best to have a mixture of methods -- a little lecture, maybe a little audio-video, followed by an activity that requires the students to use the information ... then maybe some discussion ... then maybe some more lecture, etc.

Good luck!

[Dr.KP]

Thank you sooo much!!! I will definitely use different types of teaching styles in my classroom. I currently teach the Hurst Review so I am familiar with the different types of lecturing. I just would like the class to be a little more interactive. Thanks again!!!