I haven't taught or had students in a clinical setting. However, I do use a lot of critical thinking questions. My critical thinking questions can be in a variety of settings and scenarios. There are geared to make students think out of the box and to not be afraid to challenge the norm.
Kevin, this is a great idea to help students anticipate a variety of situations they will be in at a clinical site.
I like the image of attacking an issue, Heather. Exploring different option helps them to think critically, which is a necessary skill in a career.
To assess critical thinking with my students, I usually present an issue to my student and ask them how they will "attack" that particular issue. This is really good in small groups and is similiar to the card idea. I make each student think about a different answer, since most issues can be "attacked" in different ways. This way, students understand the different option available for taking care of that patient and are challenged to critically think.
When students come back to class from clinicals I like to have them tell me of a situation they were involved in. Then I will ask the class what would you have done in this situation. This allows the students to take what we discussed back to the clinical site and use it if they find themselves in a similar situation.
Kyla, this is a great way for the students to learn the information, but also models to them what they will do when they are doing the job and do not know some new policy, or standard. Thanks for sharing your idea.
I primarily teach medical administration and insurance. Not only do I like to reinforce the content but also teach students how to find policies relevant to the state we are in. So, for example; when I teach record retention and storage, I assign students a project to look up retention standards for our state as well as surrounding states. Additionally I will have them research our state's Medicaid plan and present their findings to the class. Not only do they retain the content, but become more adept at locating and providing information and resources to their patients.
Great idea for developing and using critical thinking skills, Stacy. It also gives them real world experience that will be valuable on the job.
I have similated actual scenarios between the students. I have one student "act" out symptoms and the other student assess and treat the patient. The students seem to enjoy the role playing and they don't seem to realize they are using their critical thinking skills.
It's a good idea to have the students involved in the writing and utilization of case scenarios, this way they get two chances to go through the materials. Thanks, Linda!
we write case scenarios on index cards, then during practical exams the student picks one, has 2-3 minutes to decide what interventions are needed and to prepare for that "patient", and then perform the intervention(s) and be able to defend his/her choice to the instructor for the grade.
Great idea, Martha. It would be nice to assign those parts to groups of students and have everyone involved.
Using the students themselves to trace the GI system. One being the food, all the way through with each student representing a part of the anatomy as they track the food through.
This is a wonderful idea also. By involving the students in this activity, you are simulating real on the job activity. Thanks for sharing.
One of the instructors that I work with has the students practice writing orders. She will give the students a verbal order and they need to write it and then she critques it.
Ramon, using something as simple as index cards can re-energize your learners and reinforce content.
I have and will continue to use the index card trick. I have different scenarios written on them to see if they are quick thinkers. This also gives the ability to have the other students see what their peer will do and have the opportunity to comment on their answers.
I believe everyone can learn from someone so this allows them to have open discussion.
I will be using the ABG strategy and the Cpr strategy also.
Mariann U
Mariann, I am glad to hear that you have used those 2 activities with success in the clinical arena. I hope this course offers you some other activities that will help your students learn.
I have used the patterns of thinking activity and the weakest link activity. Both work effectively in the clinical nursing arena.
Mariann U
