A Concept Analysis of Conceptual Learning: A Guide for Educators.

BACKGROUND: Concept-based curricula, coupled with conceptual approach to teaching, fosters conceptual learning. There is a need for clarity in the definition of conceptual learning. METHOD: Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis was used. RESULTS: Conceptual learning is a process in which learners organize concept-relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes to form logical cognitive connections resulting in assimilation, storage, retrieval, and transfer of concepts to applicable situations, familiar and unfamiliar. Attributes identified were (a) recognizing patterns in information, (b) forming linkages with concepts, (c) acquiring deeper understanding of concepts, (d) developing personal relevance, and (e) applying concepts to other situations. Antecedents were (a) learner cognitive potential, (b) organized conceptual framework, and (c) conceptual approach to teaching. Consequences were (a) enhanced synthesis and analysis, (b) improved problem solving, (c) ability to translate theory to practice, (d) appreciation of linear/nonlinear ways of thinking, and (e) enhanced concept construction. CONCLUSION: This analysis provides a referent for recognizing the occurrence of conceptual learning and developing instruments to measure its outcomes. [J Nurs Educ. 2019;58(1):7-15.].

Coaching Model + Clinical Playbook = Transformative Learning.

Health care employers demand that workers be skilled in clinical reasoning, able to work within complex interprofessional teams to provide safe, quality patient-centered care in a complex evolving system. To this end, there have been calls for radical transformation of nursing education including the development of a baccalaureate generalist nurse. Based on recommendations from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, faculty concluded that clinical education must change moving beyond direct patient care by applying the concepts associated with designer, manager, and coordinator of care and being a member of a profession. To accomplish this, the faculty utilized a system of focused learning assignments (FLAs) that present transformative learning opportunities that expose students to "disorienting dilemmas," alternative perspectives, and repeated opportunities to reflect and challenge their own beliefs. The FLAs collected in a "Playbook" were scaffolded to build the student's competencies over the course of the clinical experience. The FLAs were centered on the 6 Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competencies, with 2 additional concepts of professionalism and systems-based practice. The FLAs were competency-based exercises that students performed when not assigned to direct patient care or had free clinical time. Each FLA had a lesson plan that allowed the student and faculty member to see the competency addressed by the lesson, resources, time on task, student instructions, guide for reflection, grading rubric, and recommendations for clinical instructor. The major advantages of the model included (a) consistent implementation of structured learning experiences by a diverse teaching staff using a coaching model of instruction; (b) more systematic approach to present learning activities that build upon each other; (c) increased time for faculty to interact with students providing direct patient care; (d) guaranteed capture of selected transformative learning experiences; (e) increased student reflection to promote transformative learning; and (f) provided avenues for timely feedback to students.

From daunting task to new beginnings: bachelor of science in nursing curriculum revision using the new essentials.

Undergraduate curriculum revision is a daunting task, particularly when new accreditation criteria clearly call for substantive changes in how baccalaureate generalist nurses are educated. Using the nine essentials of The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008) and the 109 Essential outcomes, the University of Kansas School of Nursing undergraduate faculty employed three phases of change: (a) understanding, (b) analysis, and (c) design to create an innovative curriculum. Theoretical influences from E. M. Rogers' (2003) Diffusion of Innovations theory, W. Bridges' (2009) work with transitions, and concepts of ownership guided the revision process. Strategies, such as gap analysis, nominal group technique, and word clouds, facilitated faculty transition from the ending of the old curriculum to ownership and beginning of the new curriculum. Inductive methods of faculty perceptions of ideal graduate characteristics and clustering of themes in the 109 Essential outcomes produced five themes: (a) communication/professional development, (b) evidence-based practice, (c) leadership/management, (d) nursing across the lifespan, and (e) population-based health care. A Q-Sort of the Essentials placed all 109 essential outcomes under each of these categories. Essential outcomes within these categories were then interpreted as data points and used as the basis for course design and accompanying credit allocation. A variety of research, theory, and interpersonally sensitive approaches yielded an innovative curriculum reflecting the Essentials and "new beginnings" for the undergraduate faculty.