Attributes of Learner That Influences Nursing Education What are Socioeconomic Characteristics that Influence Learning?
Socioeconomic status (SES) is one of the most significant determinants of both physical and mental health. It impacts many aspects of life, including education. In nursing education, SES influences the learning process, affecting students’ ability to engage and succeed in educational settings. The term “socioeconomic status” generally refers to the income, education, and occupation of individuals or families. SES is often viewed as a significant factor that either hinders or enhances learning capabilities.
Research indicates that SES is directly linked to literacy levels, health behaviors, and overall health status. For example, studies have shown that individuals with lower SES are at higher risk for health problems and face barriers to access quality education and health services. According to Crimmins & Saito (2001), and Meyer, Castro-Schilo & Aguilar-Gaxiola (2014), individuals with low socioeconomic status are more likely to experience physical and mental health challenges.
More than 46 million Americans, which account for about 15% of the population, live in poverty (US Census Bureau, 2015). Poverty is often defined as an income of $24,250 per year for a family of four, and individuals in this bracket face tremendous challenges in accessing educational resources and healthcare (USDHHS, 2015b). In addition to income disparities, low educational attainment and unstable family structures further exacerbate the learning challenges faced by individuals from low SES backgrounds.
SES significantly affects health status. Studies have shown that people in lower socioeconomic classes have higher rates of illness, reduced life expectancy, and experience more severe health conditions compared to those in higher socioeconomic brackets. These challenges, in turn, hinder their ability to engage fully in education, including nursing education. SES also affects cognitive ability, with individuals from lower SES backgrounds often exhibiting lower literacy levels and educational achievements.
Notably, geography also plays a significant role in SES, as the quality of education and public health initiatives vary greatly depending on where individuals live. In the United States, wealthier individuals live longer and healthier lives regardless of their geographic location, whereas poorer individuals have shorter life spans no matter where they reside (Irwin & Bui, 2016). Research shows that SES affects not only physical health but also life expectancy, with the richest Americans living up to 15 years longer than the poorest.
Given the significant impact of SES on health and educational outcomes, it is vital for nursing educators to understand how socioeconomic characteristics influence the learning abilities of their students. These learners face unique challenges, such as limited access to resources, family stress, and economic instability, all of which hinder their ability to succeed academically.
Teaching Strategies for Socioeconomic Attributes of Learners
Nurse educators must take into account the socioeconomic status of learners to design and implement effective teaching strategies. In doing so, they can address the barriers that arise from low SES and enhance the learning experience for students from diverse backgrounds. Here are several strategies that can be employed to cater to learners with different socioeconomic backgrounds:
- Tailored Learning Materials: Nursing educators should create learning materials that are easily accessible and relatable to students from varying SES backgrounds. This involves simplifying complex medical terminology and using language that aligns with the literacy levels of students. Incorporating real-life scenarios and relatable case studies helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application for students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, offering materials in multiple formats (e.g., audio, visual, and written) can cater to various learning styles.
- Culturally Sensitive Pedagogy: Recognizing that students from different socioeconomic backgrounds may have distinct cultural values and learning preferences is essential. A culturally sensitive approach to teaching fosters an inclusive learning environment where students feel respected and understood. This includes being mindful of different cultural attitudes toward health, wellness, and learning. Creating a safe space for open dialogue about these issues can empower students to actively participate in their education.
- Utilize Group Work: Group activities encourage collaboration among students from different backgrounds, enabling them to learn from each other’s experiences. Group work helps students develop communication skills, and it allows those who may struggle individually due to socioeconomic challenges to benefit from peer support. By encouraging group discussions and collaborative projects, educators can help students build social support systems, which are crucial for academic success.
- Individualized Support: Low SES learners often face unique challenges that require personalized support. Educators should take the time to assess the specific needs of each student and provide tailored guidance. This could involve one-on-one tutoring sessions, flexible deadlines, or additional resources to help students keep up with their coursework. Educators should also be aware of external factors, such as family obligations or financial stress, that may affect a student’s ability to focus on their studies.
- Incorporate Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Students from lower SES backgrounds may not have had as much exposure to critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their prior educational experiences. Therefore, educators should integrate problem-solving exercises and scenarios into their curriculum. These exercises encourage students to think critically about real-world healthcare issues and develop strategies to address them. This method helps students build confidence in their decision-making abilities.
- Provide Resources for Health Literacy: Many students from lower SES backgrounds may struggle with health literacy, which is the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information. Nursing educators should incorporate lessons on health literacy into the curriculum to ensure that students can effectively communicate and provide care to diverse patient populations. Providing easy-to-understand materials and offering workshops or seminars on health literacy can greatly benefit these students.
- Mentorship and Role Models: Establishing mentorship programs where students from lower SES backgrounds can connect with experienced nursing professionals is highly beneficial. Mentors provide guidance, share their experiences, and help students navigate the challenges of nursing education. Role models from similar socioeconomic backgrounds can inspire students to persevere through hardships and achieve their educational goals.
- Addressing Financial Barriers: Students from low-income backgrounds often face financial challenges that can affect their academic performance. Educators can help by providing information on financial aid opportunities, scholarships, and grants. Additionally, offering flexible payment plans for tuition or recommending part-time job opportunities within the healthcare field can help ease the financial burden on students.
- Creating a Supportive Learning Environment: A supportive and inclusive learning environment is key to helping students from lower SES backgrounds succeed. Educators should foster a classroom culture that emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and mutual respect. Encouraging open communication and providing emotional support to students who may be dealing with difficult life circumstances can create a positive learning atmosphere.
- Utilizing Technology: Technology can be a powerful tool in bridging the gap for students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Online learning platforms, e-books, and virtual simulations provide cost-effective ways for students to access educational resources. Educators should ensure that all students have access to these tools and provide guidance on how to use them effectively.
Conclusion
Socioeconomic status plays a significant role in shaping learning outcomes in nursing education. Students from lower SES backgrounds face unique challenges, including limited access to resources, low health literacy, and financial stress. It is the responsibility of nurse educators to recognize these challenges and implement strategies that support the learning needs of all students.
By tailoring educational materials, fostering a culturally sensitive learning environment, providing individualized support, and addressing financial barriers, nursing educators can help bridge the gap between socioeconomic disparities and educational success. Understanding the profound influence of SES on learning is critical to ensuring that all nursing students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed academically and professionally.