Introduction
In nursing education, innovative strategies help engage students in learning and foster critical thinking. The This & That Column Matching Strategy and the Current Case & Event Strategy are two powerful tools that enhance understanding, retention, and application of complex concepts. This article explores both strategies, their implementation, and their effectiveness in the classroom. Event Strategy In Nursing Education
When You Think of This, Think of That Strategy in Nursing Education
General Description
The This & That Column Matching Strategy is a matching exercise designed to reinforce classroom material. In this method, students are presented with two columns of related items and asked to match them correctly. The goal is to encourage students to think critically about the information presented. Some matches will have multiple correct answers, ensuring that students engage deeply with the material instead of using a process of elimination.
For example, a match for thematic heart disease would be the sequela of an untreated streptococcal infection. This exercise helps students connect symptoms, pathophysiology, and diagnoses, reinforcing the importance of recognizing relationships between concepts.
Example of the Strategy at Work
In a pediatric respiratory class, I used a PowerPoint slide with two columns listing various respiratory conditions and their symptoms. Students had to match each diagnosis with the appropriate symptom. This exercise emphasized the differences between gradual and sudden-onset conditions, helping students understand the significance of early symptom recognition in pediatric care.
Implementation of the “This & That” Strategy in Nursing Education
The This & That strategy can be adapted to various nursing topics that require students to memorize or analyze complex information. Educators can incorporate this strategy into Quickie Quizzes or Quizzes that Count, making it a game by keeping score, encouraging competition, and offering prizes. Students can also silently review the lists before being asked for answers, promoting active involvement in the learning process.
This strategy is effective for subjects like symptomatology, pathophysiology, and clinical care, where students need to make connections between theoretical concepts and practical application.
Current Events Strategy in Nursing Education
General Description
The Current Events Strategy integrates recent world events into nursing education to promote discussion and highlight the relevance of nursing knowledge. By using newspaper articles, television news, or online sources, instructors can bring real-world issues into the classroom, showing students how nursing intersects with broader societal concerns.
Nursing as a profession has a strong social conscience, and using current events in the classroom allows students to see how their future careers can influence and be influenced by global health challenges.
Example of the Strategy at Work
In one class, I used a widely publicized case about a family relinquishing care of their disabled son due to stress and lack of resources. This case prompted a discussion on the impact of chronic illness on families, the importance of respite care, and the role of nursing in providing family support. The conversation helped students better understand the challenges faced by caregivers and how nurses can advocate for more comprehensive support systems.
Current Case Strategy in Nursing Education
General Description
The Current Case Strategy uses recent medical or health-related events as case studies to help students apply classroom learning to real-life scenarios. These cases are presented as they were reported in the media, without personal bias or additional information. The strategy encourages students to engage in evidence-based discussions and critically evaluate how nursing practice can address emerging medical issues.
Example of the Strategy at Work
In one lesson, I used a news article discussing the use of a new pharmacological treatment for diabetes. The article portrayed the treatment as a breakthrough, but a closer look revealed that the research was still in its early stages. This prompted a spirited discussion on the importance of evidence-based practice, emphasizing that medical advancements must be critically evaluated before being implemented in clinical settings.
Implementation of Current Case and Event Strategy in Nursing Education
To implement the Current Case and Current Events strategies effectively, educators should encourage students to bring in news stories or current events for discussion. These can be incorporated into Quick Writes, E-mail Exercises, or Admit Tickets. This practice not only makes classroom discussions more relevant and engaging but also helps students stay informed about ongoing developments in healthcare.
Instructors should also ensure that all information is presented objectively, without editorial bias, to foster critical thinking and evidence-based discussions.
Bring in the Reinforcements and In-Class Applications
General Description
Bring in the Reinforcements and In-Class Applications are strategies that allow instructors to pause and reinforce or apply concepts immediately after they are introduced. These methods provide instant feedback, ensuring that students understand the material before moving on. Both strategies are highly effective in improving retention and comprehension.
Example of the Strategy at Work
In one class, I used the Bring in the Reinforcements strategy while teaching different types of change, such as planned, developmental, and covert change. After defining the terms, I presented various examples on a PowerPoint slide and asked students to identify the type of change each represented. This immediate application of the concepts helped reinforce their understanding.
For In-Class Applications, I often use brief case studies that illustrate how different individuals respond to illness. For example, during a lesson on emotional responses to illness, I presented two clients’ reactions to a heart attack. This real-life application of the concepts we had just discussed allowed students to see how individual differences play a role in patient care.
Implementation of Bring in the Reinforcements and In-Class Applications in Nursing Education
To implement these strategies effectively, instructors should develop short, targeted exercises that immediately reinforce class material. For example, after explaining a concept, the instructor can ask students to identify examples or complete a mini-case study. These quick exercises give students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and receive instant feedback.
These strategies are particularly useful in continuing education programs or workshops, where participants may need to quickly grasp new concepts and apply them to their current clinical practice.
Conclusion
The This & That Column Matching Strategy and the Current Case & Event Strategy, along with Bring in the Reinforcements and In-Class Applications, provide valuable methods for engaging students and fostering critical thinking in nursing education. By incorporating real-world events, reinforcing classroom material, and encouraging active participation, these strategies ensure that students not only understand the content but also know how to apply it in clinical settings. Through these methods, nursing educators can create dynamic and interactive learning environments that prepare students for the complexities of the nursing profession.