Development Ideology and Influences In Nursing Education
Introduction

Curriculum development in nursing education is a critical area of focus for educators, aiming to achieve optimal educational outcomes and effectively serve societal needs. A well-constructed curriculum is essential for enhancing student and faculty performance and ensuring that graduates meet professional practice standards across various levels of education. This chapter explores the ideologies influencing curriculum development in nursing education, examines their impacts, and discusses how these ideologies shape the preparation of future nurses.

Curriculum Development in Nursing Education

The field of nursing education continually evolves to address emerging health care needs and adapt to changes within higher education. A robust curriculum is designed to prepare students for professional practice by integrating contemporary knowledge and practices. The National League for Nursing (NLN) outlines competencies for nurse faculty that emphasize the importance of curriculum development, delivery, and evaluation (National League for Nursing [NLN], 2012). Effective curriculum development involves a collective effort from faculty to create educational programs that are both effective and responsive to the needs of diverse student populations.

In recent years, higher education institutions face numerous challenges, including rising education costs and a shortage of nurse faculty. These factors drive the need for innovative and cost-effective curriculum models that can meet the needs of a diverse and expanding student body. Flexible curricula are being developed to address local, regional, and global needs, while also enhancing student engagement and success. Despite these advancements, the lack of innovation in some areas has led to concerns about the effectiveness of educational programs. For example, the significant student debt crisis and poor job market outcomes for graduates highlight the need for ongoing curriculum evaluation and reform.

Nurse educators must actively engage in creating comprehensive and flexible curricula that accommodate various student needs, including work schedules and diverse learning preferences. Curricula should emphasize cultural competence, leadership skills, and effective communication to prepare students for the complexities of modern health care. The quality and effectiveness of nursing education are increasingly scrutinized, making it essential to align curricula with institutional missions, professional values, and evolving health care standards.

Curriculum Ideologies in Nursing Education

Understanding the underlying ideologies that shape curriculum development is crucial for creating effective and relevant nursing education programs. Schiro (2013) identifies four major curriculum ideologies: Scholar Academic, Social Efficiency, Learner Centered, and Social Reconstruction. Each ideology has its own principles and assumptions, which influence how curricula are designed and implemented.

1. Scholar Academic Ideology: This ideology emphasizes the importance of academic disciplines and the transmission of established knowledge. It views education as a process of deepening students’ understanding of a discipline through structured learning experiences. In nursing education, this approach often results in curricula that focus heavily on theoretical knowledge and traditional disciplinary content. Faculty members play a central role as experts who shape the curriculum based on their specialized knowledge.
2. Social Efficiency Ideology: This approach prioritizes the preparation of students to meet societal needs and contribute to societal functioning. It relies on a stimulus-response model, where curricula are designed to achieve specific objectives and address identified societal needs. In nursing education, this ideology influences curricula by emphasizing competencies that align with current health care demands, such as patient safety, quality improvement, and effective care delivery.
3. Learner Centered Ideology: This ideology focuses on the individual learner, emphasizing personalized learning experiences that align with students’ unique characteristics and preferences. In nursing education, a learner-centered approach involves creating flexible learning environments that support diverse learning styles and promote active engagement. Although this ideology is gaining traction, nursing curricula often face constraints due to licensing requirements and the need to demonstrate specific competencies.
4. Social Reconstruction Ideology: Social Reconstruction views education as a tool for addressing and transforming societal issues and injustices. It aims to create a more just and equitable society by fostering critical thinking and social responsibility among students. In nursing education, this approach emphasizes the importance of preparing nurses to advocate for health care policy changes and address global health disparities.

Influence of Curriculum Ideologies on Nursing Education

Curriculum ideologies have a significant impact on nursing education, shaping how programs are developed and delivered. Each ideology offers unique perspectives on how to address the needs of students and the health care system.

Scholar Academic Ideology: Nursing programs influenced by the Scholar Academic ideology often emphasize theoretical knowledge and research. These programs may be more rigid in their approach, focusing on academic content and traditional practices. While this ideology ensures a strong foundation in nursing theory, it may limit the integration of learner-centered strategies and practical skills development.

Social Efficiency Ideology: The Social Efficiency ideology has become increasingly relevant in nursing education due to the emphasis on accountability and outcomes. Nursing programs following this approach are designed to meet specific competencies and address current health care challenges. These programs often include clinical experiences and simulations to ensure that graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality care in various settings. However, there is a risk that this ideology may lead to a narrow focus on meeting immediate societal needs, potentially overlooking broader educational goals.

Learner Centered Ideology: Although less prevalent in traditional nursing curricula, the Learner Centered ideology is gaining momentum as educators seek to enhance student engagement and personalized learning. This approach promotes flexible learning environments and encourages students to take an active role in their education. Integrating learner-centered strategies can improve student satisfaction and learning outcomes, but it must be balanced with the need to meet regulatory and accreditation standards.

Social Reconstruction Ideology: The Social Reconstruction ideology is increasingly influential in shaping nursing curricula that address social justice and health disparities. Programs incorporating this ideology focus on developing students’ competencies in policy advocacy, global health, and population health. This approach prepares nurses to become leaders in addressing systemic issues and promoting equity in health care. However, integrating social reconstruction principles requires careful consideration of how to balance these goals with the need to meet professional and regulatory standards.

Curriculum Development in a Changing Environment

As the health care landscape continues to evolve, nursing education must adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Faculty play a crucial role in navigating these changes and ensuring that curricula remain relevant and effective. Strategies for curriculum development include:

1. Environmental Scanning: Monitoring trends and changes in the external environment helps educators stay informed about emerging issues and opportunities. Environmental scanning involves reviewing scientific literature, attending professional meetings, and engaging with stakeholders to gather information relevant to curriculum development.
2. Strategic Planning: Strategic planning provides a framework for making informed decisions about curriculum design and implementation. Using tools like SWOT analysis, educators can assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to curriculum development. This process helps identify key areas for improvement and guides the development of strategic initiatives.
3. Epidemiology: Incorporating epidemiological data into curriculum development helps educators understand health patterns and trends that impact patient care. By analyzing disease patterns and demographic shifts, nursing programs can develop curricula that address the most pressing health issues and prepare students to respond effectively.
4. Survey Research and Consensus Building: Surveys and consensus-building processes provide valuable insights from stakeholders, including employers, consumers, and experts. This feedback helps inform curriculum design and ensures that programs meet the needs of various stakeholders.

Conclusion

Curriculum development in nursing education is influenced by various ideologies and external factors. Understanding these ideologies helps educators create curricula that are both effective and responsive to the needs of students and the health care system. As nursing education continues to evolve, it is essential to balance theoretical knowledge with practical skills, address societal needs, and prepare students to be leaders in a changing health care environment. By integrating diverse perspectives and employing strategic planning, nursing programs can develop curricula that enhance student outcomes and contribute to the overall improvement of health care.