Nursing Education For Curriculum Development
Introduction
The integration of philosophical principles into nursing education is essential for shaping curriculum development and fostering a meaningful learning environment. This integration involves articulating and embodying beliefs about human beings, teaching and learning, and the role of nursing. A well-developed philosophical framework not only guides the creation and refinement of nursing curricula but also ensures that educational practices align with core values and goals. This discussion will explore the philosophical views of human beings and teaching/learning in nursing education, the purpose of a philosophical statement, and the process of developing or refining a nursing school’s philosophy while shaping the curriculum.
Philosophical View of Human Beings in Nursing Education
In the context of nursing education, a philosophical view of human beings encompasses the recognition and respect for the inherent dignity of each individual. This perspective acknowledges that human beings are unique and complex entities shaped by diverse factors, including environment, social norms, cultural values, physical characteristics, and personal experiences.
Respect and Diversity: A foundational belief in nursing education is that every human being deserves respect and acknowledgment of their unique attributes. Embracing diversity involves recognizing and celebrating the differences among individuals, which enriches the learning environment and enhances the educational experience. Faculty and students alike are encouraged to appreciate and build upon these differences to foster a more inclusive and effective learning community.
Influences on Human Development: Human beings are influenced by various factors, including their environment, cultural background, and personal experiences. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding how these influences shape individuals’ behaviors, values, and health practices. By acknowledging these factors, nursing educators can tailor their teaching approaches to address the diverse needs of students and patients.
Interconnectedness: Human beings exist in relation to others, including families, communities, and populations. This relational perspective highlights the importance of considering the broader social and environmental contexts in which individuals live and interact. Effective nursing education must address these relational dynamics to prepare students for real-world challenges and promote holistic patient care.
Philosophical View of Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education
The philosophical approach to teaching and learning in nursing education aims to develop nurse leaders who are intellectually and ethically equipped to excel in various professional roles. This approach emphasizes the importance of intellectual growth, ethical standards, and active community engagement.
Development of Nurse Leaders: The goal of nursing education is to cultivate leaders in practice, education, administration, and research. This involves focusing on students’ intellectual development and fostering their commitment to high ethical standards. By emphasizing leadership and ethical behavior, nursing programs aim to prepare graduates who can contribute positively to the nursing profession and their communities.
Ownership of Learning: Nursing education promotes the idea that individuals must take responsibility for their ongoing learning and development. Students are encouraged to continually refine their skills and engage in critical inquiry to support lifelong learning. This responsibility extends beyond the classroom, fostering a culture of self-directed and reflective practice among future nurses.
Commitment to Excellence: Institutions like Duke University School of Nursing are dedicated to creating an intellectual environment that supports free inquiry and the advancement of nursing science. By prioritizing excellence in scholarship and practice, nursing schools aim to provide students with the cognitive skills, clinical reasoning, and professional identity needed for effective and ethical leadership in diverse and evolving healthcare settings.
Anticipation of New Knowledge: Faculty members are responsible for creating academic initiatives that address real-world issues and anticipate new models of knowledge formation. This forward-thinking approach equips students with the tools to navigate complex healthcare environments and contribute to the ongoing development of nursing science and practice.
Purpose of a Statement of Philosophy in Nursing Education
A well-articulated statement of philosophy serves as a foundational guide for curriculum development and implementation. It reflects the core values and beliefs of the faculty and provides a framework for making curricular decisions.
Importance of Philosophy: Engaging in philosophical reflection helps faculty align their values and beliefs with educational practices. According to educational scholar Alexander Astin, strengthening and reforming higher education involves addressing fundamental issues of values. A clear philosophical statement helps faculty articulate and embody their core beliefs, guiding their interactions with students and each other.
Clarity and Focus: In a time when nursing faculty face challenges such as content overload and the need to focus on core concepts, a philosophical statement provides clarity about what is truly important. This clarity assists in determining what content to include or exclude from the curriculum and ensures that the educational experience is consistent with the stated values.
Avoiding the Hidden Curriculum: By making explicit their beliefs and values, faculty can minimize the risk of a “hidden curriculum”—the unintended and often contradictory messages conveyed to students. A clear philosophical statement helps ensure that what is planned, delivered, and experienced by students aligns with the intended educational goals, thereby fostering a more coherent and effective learning environment.
Developing or Refining a Nursing School’s Statement of Philosophy
The process of developing or refining a statement of philosophy is complex and requires thoughtful engagement from faculty. While there are no universally prescribed methods, several approaches can guide this process.
Reflecting on Nursing Theories: One approach is to reflect on existing nursing theories to determine if they capture the essence of faculty beliefs. For example, Orem’s self-care nursing model may resonate with faculty who believe in the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their health. Similarly, Roy’s adaptation model might reflect beliefs about the role of nurses in facilitating adaptation to environmental changes. Watson’s theory of human caring may align with those who emphasize the centrality of caring in nursing practice.
Inductive Approach: An inductive approach involves generating concepts from the ground up. Faculty members can list their beliefs about core concepts such as human beings, society, health, and nursing. These lists are then analyzed to identify common themes and areas of agreement. This process helps ensure that the philosophical statement reflects the collective beliefs of the faculty.
Combining Deduction and Induction: Another approach combines deduction and induction. Faculty may review existing literature and standards to identify relevant concepts, then gather input from faculty to refine these concepts into a cohesive statement. This approach ensures that the philosophical statement is informed by both established theories and the specific beliefs of the faculty.
Use of Surveys: Online surveys or “clickers” can be used to gauge faculty agreement on specific statements or concepts within the draft philosophy. This method allows for anonymous feedback and helps identify areas of consensus or disagreement. The results can inform revisions and ensure that the final statement reflects the collective views of the faculty.
Incorporating External Perspectives: Faculty may also consider insights from external reports or contemporary documents, such as the Carnegie study or the Future of Nursing report. These documents can provide additional perspectives on values and expectations related to nursing education and help align the philosophical statement with broader trends and standards.
Conclusion
The development and refinement of a nursing school’s philosophical statement are critical for guiding curriculum development and ensuring alignment with core values. A well-articulated philosophy provides a foundation for effective teaching and learning, fosters coherence between planned and experienced curricula, and supports the creation of a meaningful educational environment.
By engaging in thoughtful reflection and dialogue about their beliefs and values, faculty can create a philosophical statement that guides the development, implementation, and evaluation of the curriculum. This process not only enhances the educational experience for students but also contributes to the ongoing development of the nursing profession. Ultimately, a clear and coherent philosophical foundation helps faculty, students, and the nursing community to grow and evolve in their roles, fostering a culture of excellence and ethical practice in nursing education.