A glimpse into concept based learning
This summer I listened to a very interesting webinar regarding concept based learning, pertaining to nursing. The speaker talked about a ‘continuing case study’, or one that would go throughout the semesters so students could build upon their previous knowledge.
So I thought this would be great for nursing! I developed a case study for first semester and second semester where the ‘patient’ in the case study gets progressively worse semester to semester. The key to this project’s success though: buy-in from other instructors to use this patient and case study in their courses. I presented my case at a faculty meeting and was met with enthusiasm, not resistance. A true testament to the great nursing team we have at NWTC.
This is the first semester we will be using this case study and I hope it goes smoothly. Next semester, students will be exposed to the same patient/case study and, like a choose-your-own-adventure book, make decisions that will either help or harm the patient. Hopefully they will draw on the history of the patient and put together the big ‘concepts’.
Mandee