Meaningful Meaningful LearningLearning

Prepared byMargaret Polly Claborn,

RN, MSN, PNPFall 2009

What is meaningful learning?

• “Learning that can be related to a single concept or several concepts in the person’s existing knowledge framework.” Caputi

• Novak’s Four Advantages:– Knowledge is retained longer– The finer differentiation of

information leads to easier learning of subsequently related information

– Deeper understanding and recollection of all related concepts

– Easy transferability of information to new problems and situations

What is rote learning?• “Learner memorizes information without

relating the new information to an existing knowledge framework.” Caputi

• “Rote memorization results in learning that will soon be forgotten and not helpful in future learning.” Caputi

• “Although the student will pass examinations, and may even earn status as an “A” student, rote memorization does not facilitate future learning or critical thinking.” Caputi

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Nursing: an art & a science

• Sample Courses of Nursing Art– Topics 1 & 2– Differentiated

Practice– Research

• Sample Courses in Nursing Science– Fundamentals– Med-Surg– Pediatrics– Mental Health

Capstone

The cumulative outcome of

integrating nursing art and science

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Let’s Go Diving for Pearls!

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Pearl: Take time to prepare for the school day

• Protect your back!• Have a rolling backpack• Use a plastic box in car trunk for books and only

take out what you need for the class, return for the next class’s books

• Have extra pens, pencils (#2), and paper• Carry nutritious snacks• Use student online resources – some have the

textbook chapters available• Consider having access to a first aid kit• Develop a A and B day system

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Pearl:Plan your study time

• Small increments daily, never cram study, your brain is not made for marathon learning!

• When is your most alert time of the day?• Who can you study with at least once

weekly?“Laughing at/with and helping one another is helpful and satisfying. Misery does love company! If you understand a concept enough to explain it to a friend, you can get it right on a test and it’s good to share how you learned it too.”

Sandra Wolf, student, Wisconsin

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Pearl:Create a study plan that works

• Follow your SYLLABUS!• Study the most difficult concepts first when

your mind is freshest• Study the easier concepts last when your mind

is getting tired• Take a break every one hour for at least 10 to

15 minutes (take a walk, stretch exercises, put in a load of laundry, talk to your family, call a friend)

• Never study longer than two hours at one time. Your mind can only absorb so much!

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Pearl:Organize your study environment

– Desk area with a comfortable chair– Clear study area of clutter– Try soothing music and lightly scented candles– Make sure your lighting is adequate– Have a handy location for supplies – paper, pencils,

staples, tape, scissors, ruler, computer, notebooks– If you do not have a quiet or appropriate study area at

home • Plan time to come to the DSN Learning Resource Center• Go to the local library• Check with your local school or church about using their

library• Ask a friend or family member to use an empty space in

their homes while they are at work• Check with your workplace for a library or classroom that is

not in use

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Pearl: Don’t Be A Classroom Wall Flower -

Participate

• Nurses are self-directed learners for life!

• Learning is an interactive process that occurs between the instructor, the student, and other students.

• You control your learning. No one can make you learn.

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Pearl:Art of Asking Good Questions

• Formulate your question carefully, & make it concise, especially in large classrooms

• Speak for yourself, not the whole classroom• Ask the question in question form• Determine if the question would be better

asked after class• Ask the instructor questions based on his or

her experience.• Don’t be afraid to ask questions that seem

basic• Don’t hesitate to ask questions that stem from

another student’s questions

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Pearl:Questions to Avoid

• Don’t bother asking: “Is this going to be on the test?”• Don’t jump ahead & ask questions about parts of the

handout that haven’t been covered yet• Don’t ask questions of classmates. It’s distracting to

the whole class process• Don’t use your laptop for non-class activities• Don’t ask questions that can be found in the syllabus

(Do ask questions for clarification)• Don’t put down another student’s question with your

own• Don’t take up class time with questions the instructor

has already answered. (Do ask questions for clarification)

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Pearl: With Experience Comes Wisdom

• All nursing faculty have posted office hours. We are here whether you come or not. Take advantage of this resource

• All nursing faculty have times the student may request an appointment.

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Pearl: Interacting with faculty

• Make sure the nursing faculty knows your name and your face

• Follow the chain of command when trying to handle a problem with an instructor– Be honest and calm– Meet with the course instructor first, then follow

the student handbook guidelines if resolution is not achieved

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Pearl:Actions nursing faculty find irritating?

• Sleeping in class• Brown nosing• Skipping class or coming in late• Irresponsibility• Failure to read the syllabus or other

handouts• Excuses, especially for late homework• Side conversations• Texting on the cell phone• Surfing the internet

Keys to College Success, Quick Study Card

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Go confidentlyIn the direction of your Dreams.Live the lifeyou've imagined!

~ Author Unknown ~