Introduction
Cotemporary Curriculum In Nursing Education The development of a contemporary nursing curriculum involves navigating a complex landscape of educational theories, professional standards, and evolving health care needs. Understanding the historical context and modern definitions of curriculum, as well as incorporating current best practices, is crucial for creating a robust educational framework. This comprehensive guide explores the definition of curriculum, the evolution of contemporary nursing curricula, and the essential elements required to design effective nursing education programs.
Defining Curriculum: Historical and Modern Perspectives
The concept of curriculum has evolved significantly since its inception. The term “curriculum” originated in Scotland around 1820 and was later adopted into American educational discourse in the early 20th century. Derived from the Latin word currere, meaning “to run,” curriculum initially referred to a “course of study” (Wiles & Bondi, 1989).
A seminal work in curriculum theory was Tyler’s 1949 handbook on principles of curriculum and instruction, which has influenced educational practices for over fifty years (Tyler, 2013). Tyler proposed three key criteria for an effective curriculum: continuity, sequence, and integration. Continuity ensures that core concepts and skills are revisited and reinforced throughout the educational experience. Sequence involves organizing learning experiences so that new knowledge builds upon previous content, enhancing both breadth and depth. Integration pertains to the horizontal alignment of curriculum experiences, facilitating the application of skills across various subjects and contexts, such as the use of mathematical concepts in medication calculations and disease prevalence (Tyler, 2013).
Building on Tyler’s framework, Doll (2002) introduced a more dynamic perspective on curriculum, emphasizing its evolving nature. Doll identified five core concepts: currere, complexity, cosmology, conversation, and community. Currere refers to the process of navigating interactions between teachers, students, and educational content. Complexity highlights the intricate and interconnected nature of curriculum elements. Cosmology captures the dynamic and creative aspects of the curriculum, while conversation emphasizes mutual respect and understanding between faculty and students. Community addresses the broader ecological and global issues impacting education (Doll, 2002).
Doll’s later work (2012) integrated a scientific approach with an aesthetic and spiritual view of education, advocating for a curriculum that is open, dynamic, relational, creative, and systems-oriented. This perspective underscores the need for curricula to adapt to changing educational and societal contexts, incorporating both rational and experiential elements.
Modern definitions of curriculum reflect these evolving perspectives. Parkay, Anctil, and Hass (2010) describe curriculum as encompassing all educational experiences that contribute to achieving broad goals and specific objectives, grounded in theoretical frameworks, professional practice, and societal needs. Lunenburg (2011) suggests a multifaceted approach, defining curriculum as content, learning experiences, behavioral objectives, and instructional plans, while also considering nontechnical aspects such as philosophical and ethical dimensions.
Developing a Contemporary Nursing Curriculum
Creating a contemporary nursing curriculum requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates various educational theories, professional standards, and emerging health care trends. Faculty must address several key considerations to design an effective curriculum:
- Incorporating Core Concepts: Contemporary nursing curricula should address essential concepts such as patient safety, coordination of care, self-management, and health literacy. Emphasis should be placed on understanding the impact of health problems on patients and families, bridging gaps between practice and evidence-based care, and developing strategies applicable across diverse populations (Finkelman & Kenner, 2009; Shattell et al., 2013).
- Aligning with Health Goals: Curricula should align with national health objectives, such as those outlined in Healthy People 2020, which focus on reducing disparities, preventing diseases, and improving overall health outcomes. Integrating leadership and other skills necessary for achieving these goals is crucial (Healthy People 2020, n.d.).
- Responding to Current Events: The rapid evolution of health care issues, such as the 2014 Ebola outbreak, underscores the need for curricula to remain responsive to current events. Faculty must perform regular environmental scans to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and addresses emerging health challenges.
- Preparing Students for Complex Environments: Effective curricula should prepare students to navigate complex and evolving health care environments. This includes fostering lifelong learning, evidence-based practice, and clinical decision-making within a culture of patient safety.
- Encouraging Interprofessional Collaboration: Curricula should promote collaboration across disciplines, leadership in health care, and adherence to legal and ethical standards. Students should be equipped to work effectively within diverse teams and contribute to improved health outcomes.
- Addressing Multicultural and Holistic Concepts: Nursing education must emphasize culturally sensitive care and address global health needs. Curricula should prepare students to provide care that is respectful of cultural diversity and responsive to global health challenges.
- Designing Innovative Clinical Models: Faculty should create innovative clinical instruction models that reflect real-world practice and prepare students for a variety of healthcare settings. This includes integrating evidence-based research and promoting collaboration with interprofessional colleagues.
- Utilizing Active Learning Strategies: Effective curricula incorporate active learning strategies, such as narrative pedagogies, unfolding case studies, and interactive technologies. These methods engage students and encourage the application of knowledge in practical scenarios.
- Fostering Technological Proficiency: As technology plays an increasingly important role in health care, curricula must include training in current and emerging technologies. Faculty should be equipped to integrate these technologies into their teaching and prepare students for technologically advanced practice environments.
- Meeting Stakeholder Needs: Curricula should align with the needs of communities of interest and other stakeholders, ensuring that educational programs are relevant and valuable to all parties involved.
- Preparing Graduates for Leadership Roles: Graduates should be prepared to lead care teams and advocate for improved health care services at local, national, and international levels.
Conclusion
The development of contemporary nursing curricula requires a nuanced understanding of both historical and modern definitions of curriculum. By incorporating core concepts, aligning with health goals, responding to current events, and utilizing innovative teaching strategies, nursing education can effectively prepare students for the complexities of the health care landscape. The integration of active learning strategies, technological proficiency, and a focus on interprofessional collaboration and multicultural care will ensure that nursing graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the profession and contribute to improved health outcomes globally.
Nursing education must continually adapt to address the challenges posed by rapid advancements in knowledge, shifting demographics, and global health issues. By embracing a dynamic and comprehensive approach to curriculum development, nursing educators can prepare future practitioners to excel in a complex and ever-changing health care environment.