This has certainly been a stimulating assignment and learning module. Identifying my own personal philosophy in nursing education was challenging. As I began to organize my thoughts, I realized that my beliefs on this subject are actually quite well formed. Nursing education, as well as all education, should be treated and guided using principles which I will outline below.
In a nutshell, I believe the first step to improving all education in this country is to treat it as the diamond that it is, not something simmering on the back burner of our social priorities. Other countries are passing us up in education because they are giving education its proper priority of being first place, of being all important. When education becomes funded like we fund our military, we will likely see vast improvements in the quality of college graduates we are turning out, including nursing graduates.
Secondly, from kindergarten on up, there must be a balance of structure, discipline, and reflective thinking, or "rationality" as Immanuel Kent called it. Currently discipline has largely been stripped from our schools in the name of not abusing the children, but the pendulum has swung too far; now it is the teachers being abused, and the students run wild. This MUST stop, and a reasonable balance obtained in order to regain control of our classrooms, and the quality of our public education. Smaller class sizes, increased teacher salaries, and more personal one on one dialogues which encourage rationality and reflective thinking between students and teachers will also go far to improve our educational system.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, teachers and educators must show through human interaction that they are genuinely interested in, and caring of our upcoming student generations. All educators, not just nursing educators, must instill confidence, positive energy, mutual respect, encouragement, empowerment, and most of all love to our students. Think of the teacher that most influenced you growing up. Didn't they impart to you these qualities? Did you feel important, confident, encouraged, valued, worthwhile, loved and respected after interacting with them? Sure you did, that is why you remember them. We need to copy that!!
I'm excited about this educational journey I have embarked on. I'll see you at the top!
Best regards to all.
Robin Martin
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