Georgiana Bougher

Utilizing Bloom's taxonomy in teaching helps to develop the total student.  Functioning in the real world does not just depend on cognitive knowledge.  Nursing student's must be prepared to know and understand theoretical knowledge in order to use it effective in client care.  They also need to develop important motor skills and utilize tools and technology to be effective practitioners.  Finally, in the affective domain nursing students need to embrace and adhere to nursing values, regulations, and desire to continually develop and refine their abilities.  Acceptance of all people regardless of others viewpoints, politics, or choices is also essential.

When I have a lot of content to cover, I like using short discussions mixed with lecture.  Pick out a concept that may be complicated and let students discuss it.  This helps me to evaluate if students are grasping material.  I also like to pose questions such as what is the first thing you should do in X situation and why.

Active learning is a better approach to teaching.  Students retain more when actively using and manipulating information.  In nursing case studies and simulations are used help students learn how to make decisions about important client manifestations, how to prioritize and delegate care.  

I think it is good to over prepare for class so that you don't have excess time at the end.  Put in extra activity if you do run out of time to help students critically think about the material you have covered.  

I agree with not weighting the final too heavy.  What happens if a student didn't sleep well the night before or had to take a family member to the emergency room and didn't get home until midnight, or is a little under the weather.   I saw a student who had the highest grade in a class fail the final that was worth 50% of their grade, fail the class.  This student had helped others in the class understand course content yet failed the class.

To help with inattentive students in the past, I have used "the pass to leave class"  at the end of class.  Students have to identify and write down 2-4 main points from the class that day before leaving. It helps them to think about what was covered.

I like to try to get to know my students on the first day of class.  I usually ask them to tell the class something about themselves. If time permits we may do an activity.   

It is very important students understand grading system.  They need to know what assignments are weighted heavily so they understand what they need to focus their time on.  Also professionals are expected to complete projects/work within expected time frames.  Students need to understand this professional behavior is expected of class work.  They need to develop good work behaviors.

You must think before releasing any information about students.  FERPA has strict rules about sharing information however other laws such as Solomon and the Patriot Act can override some protections.

Interesting that FERPA rights are no longer in effect when student or former student dies. 

Parents can assess student reords without student written request if they are listed as a dependent by the IRS.  Alcohol and illegal drug use infomation can also be released to parents of students under age 21