As instructors, we have opportunities to encourage and support students in many ways that promote success and using self-motivation is the key.

I am learning that emotional intelligence and self regulation are essential in the learning environment and is something that I plan on working on daily so that I can be successful in the classroom. 

The key to reaching adult learners is to get the person involved and engaged in the learning journey. Whether this is helping the person figure out what type of learner he or she is or helping the person understand how the information is useful. The task of the educator is to facilitate the learning to help the learner reach his/her peak in the educational journey. 

Parts of the brain help to explain the various preferential methods of learning for people.

Factors that influence adult learners include: motivation to learn, learning information that is applicable, personal experience plays a role in adult learning, and adult learners need to be invested and engaged in the educational journey. 

The various theories of development seem to have a similar theme;  the age of an individual influences the personal goals for his/her life. 

Adult learners go to school for some type of personal gain. Adult learners bring experiences and values in to their learning experience. 

What I have enjoyed during this session is that this step (the problem-solving principles) must be structured as a systematic process. It cannot be something that needs a quick fix. The steps provide high-quality solutions that rely on objective analysis rather than emotional reactions. Practical and executable solutions that are effective. Remembering to consider things like time, cost, and equipment that is readily available. Students must remember to use data-driven inquiry, focusing on solving the actual problem. Finally, I think one should also maintain emotional intelligence within the group.

I learned that reflective thinking is very important because it is the bridge that improves future performance by analyzing your actions from past experiences or actions. The benefits include improved choices, learning from past experiences, and self-awareness. This brings about continuous improvement in education and is important in healthcare.

Based on what I have learned, a critical thinker develops a specific set of intellectual habits and cognitive skills. It is not based on just "knowing things". The primary focus is on the process of concluding.  The core traits can and must include open-mindedness, curiosity, objectivity, skepticism, and fairness; the cognitive section; and the thinker must be analytical, reflective on practice, an effective communicator, and a logical reasoner. In life, critical thinking is an important skill every day, but especially in nursing or healthcare.