teaching at various levels of human health, I have to let the students know that to maintain a license, they will have to take part in Continuing Medical Education. this means that they will always have to take more classes.
I teach the same classes that Michele does, as their "computer Science" Instructor. I start out the course by asking them who they want to see with a Medical condition, the Doctor who just did enough to get by?? or the Doctor that goes above and beyond in learning his trade??? I then ask them what kind of Therapist they want to be, because as a heavy smoker, I WILL be seeing them in the future, and I want the person who spent more time learning their trade...the only way??? Lifetime Learning.
My students are required to take a few different courses that related to research and research writing. Since these courses are also related to life-long learning and can be very intimidating, I like to sign all of my students up for one of the free journals that relates to their future profession; It is a nicety that makes the students feel special (since I make the effort to sign them up) and they receive an early opportunity to search through the various topics they may decide to research in the future or simply learn about new information that we may or may not be covering during their program course of study.
I also bring in several different versions of professional journals and have my students search through them until they find a research article or literature review that interests them. I also have them identify the different parts of the article (such as the abstract, introduction, etc.), and have them explain why they chose to share this article to me and their other classmates. Part of this exercise involves exposing my students to resources for life-long learning and to help my students understand that the topics we pick for life-long learning and research should interest us and motivate us to search out other related topics to expand our knowledge and range of interests.
My students are required to take a few different courses that related to research and research writing. Since these course also related to life-long learning and can be very intimidating, I like to sign all of my students up for one of the free journals that relates to their future profession; It is a nicety that makes the students feel special (since I make the effort to sign them up) and they receive an early opportunity to search through the various topics they may decide to research in the future or simply learn about new information that we may or may not be covering during their program course of study.
I also bring in several different versions of professional journals and have my students search through them until they find a research article or literature review that interests them. I also have them identify the different parts of the article (such as the abstract, introduction, etc.), and have them explain why they chose to share this article to me and their other classmates. Part of this exercise involves exposing my students to resources for life-long learning and to help my students understand that the topics we pick for life-long learning and research should interest us and motivate us to search out other related topics to expand our knowledge and range of interests.
What a great assignment! I always give examples to my students of the advances that are constantly occuring in our healthcare field, but making them think outside of the box of what could be is a great way to get some of them to be a part of the advances to come.
Not only should they keep up with continuing education, they should me made to apply their new skills to everyday life and reap additional benefits. This will enrich life as a whole. If the student is aware of his he can surmount challenges and maybe have fun too.
Michelle,
Even in the General Education area, things change! It is good to keep up on changes and keep resources ready for our students.
Shelly Crider
Carol,
Very well put!! You can be a source of resources!!
Shelly Crider
Dawn,
Staying current in the medicial field is indeed critical.
Shelly Crider
I let students know that there is constantly new research that is being conducted and that it is important for them to keep up with it. I teach Gen. Ed. courses, but all of my students are entering the medical field. I let them know that learning does not stop when you get a degree because much of the knowledge they are acquiring today will be modified or obsolete with new research and advances in the future. I also teach them to be critical readers and to be aware of dates articles are written, be aware of who the author is and whether they have an agenda with their research, who is funding the research, and whether the methods used in the research were valid and reliable.
I always try to keep my students motivated. I always say if you want to be successful in the Medical Assisting field you will make sure you never stop learning. Everyday you can learn something new, let it be a new abbreviation or new disorder. A good M.A. doesn't know everything, but they will know where to research and get the answer.
That is excellent and it is also what I use as I am teaching medical information and use of an ultrasound machine. Our customers are their future patients. People's lives depend on our ability to stay current. We offer a discounted rate to subscription to students to medical journals and are utlizing assignments to introduce them to the journals.
jessica,
This is a wonderful oppotunity you have with your students. To promote early and often is wonderful!!
Shelly Crider
That's also why it's so important for students to keep up their continuing education. If you are a full time instructor and out of the field you can lose touch so fast!
In the cosmotology and esthetics field, continuing education is imperitive to long term success because the industry is changing constantly. Therefor, we introduce continuing education at least once a month in school and offer opportunities once every few months for other continuing education opportunities so they know and can personally see what is gained from continuing education.
James,
Excellent job. Students want to hear personal experience stories as many stories are different from book learning!
Shelly Crider
Heather,
That is a good idea as patients believe that the person taking care of them is up to date on everything.
Shelly Crider
By sharing with students my experience in my career in respect to how continued learning has helped me to keep abreast of the continued changes in my profession. In doing this I try to instill in them the desire to always be the best they can be in their career. Lifelong learning is important in accomplishing this.
Being in the medical field, we have to not only keep up with the ever changing & advancing technology & equipment, but we are required to do CEU's to renew our lincenses. I explain to my students that they have to attend conferences, read medical journals, etc to be the best healthcare provider they can be to the patients that are depending on them.
Geminelle,
Excellent point. Many students do not know the importance gaining knowledge. Many want just enough to gain employment.
Shelly Crider
