Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1 Chapter 1 The Adult Learner and the Practical/Vocational Nursing Program

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2 Chapter 1 Lesson 1.1

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 3 Learning Objectives Identify yourself as a traditional adult learner, returning adult learner, or recycled adult learner. Identify personal areas of strength that will help you ensure success in the practical/vocational nursing program. Identify personal areas that could interfere with your success in the practical/vocational nursing program.

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 4 Types of Adult Learners Traditional Adult Learner –Comes to an educational program directly from high school or from another program of study –Grew up in a digital, wireless world –In transition from late adolescence to young adulthood Returning Adult Learner –Been out of school for several years –Experiencing many different life transitions Recycled Adult Learner –Might have technical school or college experience or an undergraduate or graduate degree in a discipline other than nursing

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 5 Reasons to Enroll in LPN/LVN Nursing Program Desire to change careers Attraction to nursing Desire to acquire new job skills Outlook for a full-time job with benefits is more promising in practical/vocational nursing Possible lack of jobs in area for which person has a degree

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 6 Formal and Informal Educational Experiences The traditional adult learner is accustomed to formal education –The practical/vocational nursing program in a vocational-technical school or junior college is an example of a program of formal education Returning adult learners might not have been in a classroom for some time, but they have had informal educational experiences every day of their lives

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 7 Geared for Success Traditional Adult Learners –Have been given the opportunity to develop reading, writing, studying, and test-taking skills –They are at their prime physically, are filled with energy and stamina, and often have fewer out-of-school responsibilities to distract them from their studies

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 8 Geared for Success Returning Adult Learners –Serious learners who are ready to work –Have had many responsibilities and life experiences –Mature, motivated, and self-directed learners –Many have made economic, personal, and family sacrifices to go back to school

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 9 Geared for Success Recycled Learners –They too have had the opportunity to develop reading, writing, studying, and test-taking skills –They are serious, motivated, and self- directed students

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 10 Liabilities, Pitfalls, and Hidden Dangers Hidden danger shared by all adult learners Fear of Failure –One of the greatest liabilities shared by all adult learners –Usually develops as a result of past negative experiences with learning situations May look at school in a negative, threatening way

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 11 Dangers for the Traditional Adult Learner Grade Inflation –Good grades received in high school for minimal effort –Same effort will not lead to success in a nursing program Social Activities –May allow social activities to compete with school and study time Employment –Amount of time occupied by employment outside of school hours may be another interference

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 12 Dangers for the Returning Adult Learner Physical –The senses of vision and hearing decline very gradually through the adult years Social Responsibilities –Many roles to play outside of school –More demands placed on them

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 13 Dangers for the Recycled Adult Learner Attitude –May have an attitude that because they earned a degree or have some college experience, the practical/vocational nursing program will be a breeze to get through

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 14 Special Challenges for Practical/ Vocational Nursing Students Learners with a spouse at home may be extremely busy with school and family affairs Single parents may feel overwhelmed when the learner role is assumed in addition to all their other roles Difficulty of schoolwork and the amount of time it takes to complete assignments

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 15 Chapter 1 Lesson 1.2

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 16 Learning Objectives Explain in your own words three rights of learners. Discuss personal responsibility for learning and active participation in the learning process as learner responsibilities. Identify the purpose of evaluation in the practical/vocational nursing program. Discuss 10 learner responsibilities.

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 17 Learners Have Rights First Amendment gives you freedom of expression –As long as what you want to express does not disrupt class or infringe on the rights of your peers Fourteenth Amendment assures you due process –The institution in which you are enrolled cannot terminate you at whim, nor does it want to Right to have an organized curriculum and a responsible instructor who is prepared to teach it

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 18 Responsibilities of Learners First responsibility of learners is to learn –Instructors are not responsible for successful learning –Instructors are not responsible for failure to learn –Instructors help students learn how to learn

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 19 Teaching vs. Learning Passive Learners –View the teacher as someone who possesses knowledge and somehow is going to pass it on Instructors—Facilitators of Learning –Instructors are facilitators because they are responsible for creating a learning environment in which learning can take place Active Learners –Must be personally involved in your learning –Need to become self-directed and curious in your learning

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 20 Role of Evaluation Second responsibility of learners is to receive and participate in evaluation –Theory tests Take time to look at your tests with the goal of understanding why the correct answers are correct and why the wrong answers you gave are wrong –Clinical performance evaluations Give you an opportunity for career and personal growth The comments you receive are directed toward your behavior and not you as a person

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 21 Dealing with Referrals If you are evaluated by your instructor as having areas that need improvement, the instructor might refer you to a counselor at school Counselors have expertise in helping students identify reasons for academic problem areas A referral to a counselor is an attempt to help you succeed

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 22 Other Responsibilities of Learners Be aware of the rules and policies of your school and the practical/vocational nursing program When problems do develop, follow the recognized channels of communication both at school and in the clinical area Be prepared in advance for classes and clinical experiences Prepare your own assignments Seek out learning experiences at school and in the clinical area Seek out resources beyond the required readings

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 23 Other Responsibilities of Learners (cont’d) Assume responsibility for your own thoughts, communication, and behavior Be present and on time for classes and clinical experiences Enter into discussion when asked to do so in class Treat those with whom you come into daily contact with respect Seek out your instructor when you are having difficulties in class or the clinical area Keep a record of your grades as a course proceeds