Foundation of Education and Curriculum In Nursing Education
Introduction
In nursing education, the development and implementation of curricula are deeply intertwined with the philosophical foundations that underpin educational practices. These philosophical underpinnings not only shape the design and delivery of the curriculum but also influence the broader educational environment in which students learn and faculty teach. This exploration delves into the philosophical foundations of nursing education, articulates what philosophy means in the context of curriculum design, and discusses how philosophical statements can guide and enhance curriculum development.
Philosophical Foundations of the Curriculum in Nursing Education
Philosophical statements are often perceived as mere formalities, intended to satisfy external reviewers and appear in institutional documents like handbooks and accreditation reports. However, these philosophies should transcend their role as decorative statements and become integral to the daily operations and strategic decisions of nursing schools. A philosophy should serve as a living document, consistently referenced and reflected upon to guide the educational process.
- Living Document: The philosophy of a nursing school should be an active, dynamic force rather than a static declaration. It should be revisited regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effectively guides the curriculum. Faculty should engage with this philosophy during faculty recruitment, discussions with students, and in strategic planning meetings. This ongoing engagement helps to align the school’s goals with its philosophical commitments, ensuring that all decisions—from curriculum design to resource allocation—are rooted in these foundational beliefs.
- Guiding Force: The philosophical foundation provides a framework for the school’s strategic planning and decision-making processes. It should influence how goals are set, how actions are planned and executed, and how resources are allocated. The philosophy should be a reference point for evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum and for guiding revisions and updates. By embedding the philosophy in the everyday workings of the school, it ensures that the educational environment is consistent with the institution’s core values and mission.
- Role of Stakeholders: Faculty, administrators, and students all play crucial roles in shaping and embodying the school’s philosophy. Faculty members are responsible for incorporating the philosophy into their teaching practices and interactions with students. Administrators must ensure that institutional policies and resource allocations reflect the philosophical commitments of the school. Students should be introduced to and engaged with the philosophy as they progress through their program, helping them understand the principles that guide their education and professional development.
What Is Philosophy in Nursing Education and Curriculum Design?
Educational philosopher Maxine Greene (1973) challenged educators to “do philosophy” by deeply reflecting on their teaching practices and the underlying principles guiding them. This involves examining the assumptions and commitments that shape educational practices and becoming more aware of how these influence teaching and learning.
- Critical Reflection: Greene’s call to “do philosophy” emphasizes the need for educators to engage in critical reflection about their practices and beliefs. This means questioning established norms, reflecting on personal and institutional values, and considering how these impact the learning environment. By engaging in this reflective practice, educators can better understand and articulate the philosophical foundations of their curriculum and ensure that these foundations align with their educational goals.
- Personal and Professional Integration: Parker Palmer (2007) furthered this perspective by advocating for a more personal approach to teaching. He suggested that educators should bring their whole selves into the teaching process, recognizing that “we teach who we are.” This personal perspective helps create an authentic learning environment where educators’ values and beliefs are integrated into their teaching practices, enhancing the overall educational experience.
- Philosophy as Framework: Philosophy serves as a framework for understanding what is considered significant, valuable, and worthy of commitment in education. It involves contemplating and examining core principles and beliefs, and applying these reflections to everyday teaching practices. Philosophy helps educators question and challenge existing practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and positive change.
Philosophical Statements About Curriculum for Education in Nursing
A philosophical statement in nursing education articulates the fundamental values and beliefs that guide curriculum design and implementation. It reflects the assumptions and priorities that shape educational practices and decision-making processes.
- Narrative Statement of Values: A philosophical statement is essentially a narrative that outlines the core values and beliefs of the institution. It provides a framework for prioritizing and making decisions, guiding how the curriculum is developed and evaluated. This statement should be informed by the institution’s mission, vision, and values, as well as by the broader goals of the nursing profession.
- Mission and Vision: The mission statement defines the unique purpose of the institution or nursing unit, such as improving community health, advancing nursing science, or preparing responsible citizens. The vision statement describes the aspirations of the institution, such as being a leader in nursing education or a center of excellence in research and practice. The philosophical statement should align with these mission and vision statements, ensuring that the curriculum supports the institution’s goals and values.
- Values and Beliefs: The philosophical statement should address key concepts related to nursing practice, including beliefs about human beings, society, the environment, and health. These concepts form the metaparadigm of nursing, as introduced by Fawcett (1984). A well-crafted philosophical statement incorporates these elements, guiding curriculum design and ensuring that it reflects the values and principles central to nursing education.
Educational Ideologies and Their Impact on Nursing Education
Educational ideologies provide different perspectives on how education should be approached and can influence curriculum design and implementation. Understanding these ideologies can help faculty navigate differing viewpoints and create a cohesive curriculum that reflects a balanced approach to education.
- Romanticism: This ideology emphasizes learner-centered education and values the inner abilities and creativity of students. It promotes an environment that fosters personal growth and discovery. While romanticism advocates for a flexible and creative learning environment, some argue that it may not align with the more structured and content-focused curricula often seen in nursing education.
- Cultural Transmission: This perspective focuses on transmitting established knowledge, values, and cultural norms. It emphasizes a structured and controlled educational environment that reflects societal and cultural expectations. In nursing education, this approach may manifest in curricula that emphasize traditional knowledge and established practices.
- Progressivism: Progressivism emphasizes the development of learners through the resolution of genuine problems and conflicts. It focuses on preparing students to interact effectively with the world and supports the total development of learners. In nursing education, a progressive approach might involve problem-based learning and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for real-world challenges.
Conclusion
The philosophical foundation of nursing education plays a crucial role in shaping curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation. By embracing a philosophy that reflects the institution’s mission, vision, and values, nursing programs can create curricula that are both relevant and effective. Engaging in critical reflection and integrating philosophical principles into everyday practices helps ensure that the curriculum supports the goals of nursing education and prepares students for the complexities of modern healthcare. As nursing education continues to evolve, a strong philosophical foundation will remain essential for guiding and enhancing the educational experience.
4o mini