Nursing Education 1 Theoretical Perspectives and Context

This 10-week online course focuses on the development of a foundational knowledge base in education theory and pedagogical issues relevant to nursing education in the practice setting. Participants will explore the challenges and opportunities for teaching and learning and educational leadership within the unique context of practice settings.

The course will include:

  • Exploration of standards and competencies for the nurse educator
  • Scholarship and theoretical perspectives of adult teaching /learning relevant to nursing education in the practice setting
  • Conceptualization of a personal teaching philosophy
  • Development of the nurse educator as a leader in supporting professional practice

Course Objectives

  • Compare traditional and contemporary theoretical perspectives in adult teaching and learning
  • Identify the relevance of learning theory to the role of the nurse educator
  • Describe different learner profiles and implications for educational programs
  • Develop appreciation for scholarship and evidence-based teaching as important elements of the nurse educator role
  • Articulate a personal teaching philosophy incorporating select adult learning theories
  • State guiding standards/role requirements for nurse educators
  • Identify current issues, challenges and approaches for working & educating in complex clinical contexts
  • Examine factors affecting the teacher/learner relationship in relation to the unique learning needs of health care professionals and staff
  • Reflect on own transitional needs and development as a nurse educator and education leader

Audience

Nurses and health professionals with an interest in nursing education in the practice setting. This course will be of importance to those who have current responsibilities for nursing education and/or professional practice as a component of their roles who wish to enhance their knowledge and for those considering a role in nursing education as a career opportunity.

Please Note: This is one of three required courses for the “Certificate in Nursing Education for the Practice Setting.” Learners may take this as an individual course without completing the full certificate requirements; however, if taken as part of the certificate, all three required courses must be completed within a two-year period. The other two courses are:

Applicants who have successfully completed NUR 1074Y Facilitating Learning: Nursing Perspectives while enrolled in the MN program at LSBFON can request “Advanced Standing” for this first course. They would not be required to complete the first course to meet the requirements for the “Not-for-credit Certificate” through the Centre for Professional Development. They must, however, complete the remaining two courses within two years of completing the NUR1074Y.

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Course Outline

This is a 10-week online course accessed through the University of Toronto’s Learning Portal (Quercus). It is primarily self-paced; however, participants are required to engage in discussions and submit activities/assignments within identified timelines (weekly). It is estimated that up to 8 hours of study per week is required for successful completion.

In each of the 10 weeks, participants are expected to:

  • View an e-learning module
  • Read required readings
  • Participate in the learning activities/assignments

Learning activities and the culminating assignment will provide opportunity for reflection and demonstration of learning. For this course, the learning activities/assignments include:

  • Online discussion activities which provide opportunity for participants to learn from the varied experiences, roles and perspectives of others.
  • Up to three LIVE (via Zoom) sessions will take place for faculty & participants to engage with one another in a group discussion (alternative option is also available for these activities for those unable to attend).
  • The submission of written learning activities for peer &/or faculty review & feedback.
  • The submission of one final culminating paper. The written learning activities & feedback from previous weeks will be incorporated into the final graded paper.
Weekly ProgressLearning Module TopicsEvaluative Components

Week 1

Introduction to course and online details. BE A LEADER –  MAKE A DIFFERENCE – The Nurse as Education Leader

Discussion Board Post

Week 2

THEORY WITHOUT PRACTICE IS JUST AS INCOMPLETE AS PRACTICE WITHOUT THEORY – Teaching and Learning – Theoretical Perspectives For Nursing Part 1 

LIVE Discussion Session

Week 3

A TEACHER IS ONE WHO MAKES THEMSELF PROGRESSIVELY UNNECESSARY – Teaching and Learning – Theoretical Perspectives For Nursing Part 2

Activity #1

Week 4

WHY DO I NEED A TEACHING PHILOSOPHY? The Nurse Educator – Teaching Philosophy, Scholarship and Evidence

Discussion Board Post 

Week 5

PRIORITY IS A FUNCTION OF CONTEXT – Addressing Challenges in the Learning Environment

Assignment #1

Week 6

WHEN THE STUDENT IS READY, THE TEACHER APPEAR – What Do We Know About the Adult Learner?

Discussion Board Post

Week 7

THE DOOR THAT NOBODY ELSE WILL GO IN – The Nurse as Unique Learner

Activity #2

Week 8

THE TEACHER MUST BE CAPABLE OF BEING MORE TEACHABLE THAN THE APPRENTICE – Development Of Nurse Educator Role

Discussion Board Post

Week 9

I TEACH THEREFORE I LEARN – What Are Characteristics of a Good Nurse Educator?

LIVE Discussion Session

Week 10

WE DO NOT LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE, WE LEARN FROM REFLECTING ON EXPERIENCE – Reflective Teaching Practice

Discussion Board Post

Assignment #2

Other Courses in this Certificate Program

Nursing Education 2: Design, Development & Delivery

This 10-week online course focuses on the practical application of theory and evidence on the design, delivery and facilitation of nursing education in the practice setting.  The course will include: […]

Nursing Education 3: Assessment and Evaluation

This 10-week online course focuses on development of a foundational knowledge base in education assessment and evaluation relevant to nursing education in the practice setting.  Participants will: Course Objectives By […]

Course Director

Leasa Knechtel

Associate Director, Centre for Professional Development
Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream

Faculty

Colleen McNamee

Professional Practice Leader, Nova Scotia Health Authority
Instructor, Dalhousie University School of Nursing

Linda Nguyen, RN, MN

Interprofessional Education Specialist, Hospital for Sick Children

Contributing Faculty

Manjit Dhanoa-Yasi

Staff RN, Unity Health (St. Michael’s Hospital), Womens Health Care Centre

Katie Hardin, RN, EdD                                                                                                       

Professor Emeritus – Teaching Stream, Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing

Registration Information

Fees

$870 + HST
$970 + HST
$825 + HST
$825 + HST

Site Groups

A group discount rate of 15% is available for site groups of three or more people. To book please contact pd.nursing@utoronto.ca.

Please Note

  • Refund Policy – To withdraw from a course, send a written request to pd.nursing@utoronto.ca by August 16, 2024. No refunds will be given after this date. All refunds are subject to an administrative fee of $100 + tax. Alternatively, a colleague may attend in your place. Please send your substitution request at least 3 days prior to the course to pd.nursing@utoronto.ca.
  • Registration deadline: September 16, 2024
  • *U of T Nursing Alumni discount is available to BScN, MN, PMNP Diploma, MScN or PhD graduates of the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto.
  • **U of T Nursing Faculty discount is available to individuals with a faculty position, adjunct or status appointment, or are a Clinical Instructor (current academic year only) at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto.
  • Student discount is available to individuals currently registered in the BScN, MN, PMNP or PhD programs at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing.
  • Applicable taxes (13% HST) will be added to the registration fees.
  • Course Cancellation Policy – The Centre for Professional Development reserves the right to cancel courses due to circumstances. The decision to cancel a course is normally made 15 days prior to the course. If you are enrolled in a course which is subsequently cancelled, you may apply your fee to another course, or receive a full refund. The Centre is not responsible for any travel or other expenses incurred by you.

OSAP for Micro-credentials

The Ontario Student Assistance Program now offers funding for micro-credentials (short training programs offered by post-secondary institutions), including a number of courses offered by the Centre for Professional Development. This funding initiative is part of Ontario’s micro-credentials strategy, helping learners access more opportunities to train or upskill for in-demand jobs through loans and grants.

Contact Us

Centre for Professional Development
Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing
University of Toronto
155 College Street, Suite 130
Toronto, ON, Canada
M5T 1P8