Becoming a Lifelong Learner
What strategies are you using to help your students to see how they can become lifelong learners?
I teach at an automotive school and some of my students will ask about their vehicle or a newer vehicle in relation to the subject on the vehicle we are learning on. I then ask then to think about the vehicle and why the laws or needs of today have resulted in the change and what is needed by the manufacturer to do to meet those problems and why they did what they did to meet that need. This will bring up a round of questions and then they start to answer their own questions, some will even look in outside material to find an answer and come back the next day to explain to the class. Sometimes all it takes is for me to ask a what if question. I also will bring up articles that are in a book or magazine and get them to start to ask about it and then state that they need to look over that article, this results in them doing some research and finding a magazine that they now start reading.
I encourage my students to volunteer and to get out in the community and be of service
Hudson,
Excellent post. I would hate to think that any medical provider would be seeing me without being up to date.
Shelly Crider
I remind my students that in the world of nursing, it is imperative to keep learning about the latest advancements in technology and medications. Falling behind on the most current information can put patients' safety at risk.
Nurses are challenged with keeping up to date with each change that happens. These new medications and technologies (like an electronic medical record), will affect the way they do their job and how efficiently they perform.
Luckily, we are required to complete thirty hours of continuing education before renewing our license. I encourage my students to spend those hours on subjects relevant to their work environment, and to strive to pick topics that will enhance their understanding of a disease, a medication, or to grow as a professional.
I remind my students that in the world of nursing, it is imperative to keep learning about the latest advancements in technology and medications. Falling behind on the most current information can put patients' safety at risk.
Nurses are challenged with keeping up to date with each change that happens. These new medications and technologies (like an electronic medical record), will affect the way they do their job and how efficiently they perform.
Luckily, we are required to complete thirty hours of continuing education before renewing our license. I encourage my students to spend those hours on subjects relevant to their work environment, and to strive to pick topics that will enhance their understanding of a disease, a medication, or to grow as a professional.
Barbara,
Great job on the local salons and other professional organizations!
Shelly Crider
Stacy,
It is nice of you to share free ceu's with students!
Shelly Crider
I also introduce my students to local salons and professional organizations. I try to get them involved with the American Cancer Society's Look good feel better program and get them to do service projects in their field. Things that are always changing but will keep them actively learning while volunteering.
I am always continuing my education in the fields that I work in. I send my students emails about free ceu's that they may be interested in online as well as at facilities when I hear about them.
Cheryl,
Thanks for mentioning that it helps the Chapter to grow! This is another great point!
Shelly Crider
Professional organizations are a great resource. One of the local AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants)chapters regularly holds monthly chapter meetings on our school campus. This has been a great way to get students actively involved in continuing education and networking. It has also helped the Chapter to grow!
James,
I like this as if helps to build team work and you have to have that in the real world.
Shelly Crider
Christine, I do really like this as well. I urge my students to join associations and organizations all the time. It's a great way to broaden your horizons and view up to date information in your field.
I think paired or group activities tend to assist in lifelong learning. It gives some time to interact and see the importance of different perspectives. This can hopefully instill some intrinsic motivation as well.
I also find that critical thinking can come from paired or group activity can come when they are confronted with a question of some sorts.
Linda,
This is an awesome example of teaching by leading!
Shelly Crider
This is an absolute necessity. I make sure my students join their professional organization while they are still in school. It is incredibly important to be a part of the organization of your profession. I encourage my students to take every opportunity that presents itself to continue advancing their knowledge in their profession and stay current.
David ,
Technology changes by the month it seems like!
Shelly Crider
This is so true, especially HVAC/R. Lowering energy consumption is driving manufacturers to incorporate more and more new technologies into their equipment. Graduating from school is no longer enough, to be successful a new graduate will have to continue their education throughout their career or they will soon find themselves left behind by advancing technologies.
Frank,
I love this! You are asking students to be accountable right from the start!
Shelly Crider
