Experiential Learning
CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
“Knowledge results from the combination of grasping (observation) and transforming reflections into action (concrete experience)” (Kolb, 1894).
Nursing is a practice profession. Clinical experience in the clinical setting is the integral part of the total education process for nursing students. (Estrella Cuarezma Sanchez, 1998) The clinical exposure of a student nurse is an experience that is not to be taken for granted. It is as important (if not more so) than the classroom lectures. In the field, the student nurse is allowed to experience dealing with actual patients and witnessing medical cases first hand. That is the reason why it is imperative that the student nurse make the most of his or her clinical experience.
Learning is the acquisition of knowledge by study, instruction, practice or experience. To undergo a more meaningful learning, student nurses must have a positive experience in their practice setting. The Related Learning Experience (RLE) is the practicum component of the revised BSN curriculum which is community-oriented and competency based. In the long run, student nurses eventually learn how to collect data, interpret and synthesize findings, evaluate critically the effects of actions taken, perform procedures skillfully and relate to patients in an ethical and caring manner. But mastery of these lores will not take place unless students learn how to transform their experiences at work. A student nurse must unfold different abilities in order to fully utilize his or her experiences so he or she can assimilate these learnings. These abilities include learning from actual experience, learning by observing others, creating theories to understand what is seen and finally, using these theories to solve problems. In due time, with all their gained experienced learning, student nurses will be equipped with proper skills, sufficient knowledge and right attitude to be competitive with
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
“Knowledge results from the combination of grasping (observation) and transforming reflections into action (concrete experience)” (Kolb, 1894).
Nursing is a practice profession. Clinical experience in the clinical setting is the integral part of the total education process for nursing students. (Estrella Cuarezma Sanchez, 1998) The clinical exposure of a student nurse is an experience that is not to be taken for granted. It is as important (if not more so) than the classroom lectures. In the field, the student nurse is allowed to experience dealing with actual patients and witnessing medical cases first hand. That is the reason why it is imperative that the student nurse make the most of his or her clinical experience.
Learning is the acquisition of knowledge by study, instruction, practice or experience. To undergo a more meaningful learning, student nurses must have a positive experience in their practice setting. The Related Learning Experience (RLE) is the practicum component of the revised BSN curriculum which is community-oriented and competency based. In the long run, student nurses eventually learn how to collect data, interpret and synthesize findings, evaluate critically the effects of actions taken, perform procedures skillfully and relate to patients in an ethical and caring manner. But mastery of these lores will not take place unless students learn how to transform their experiences at work. A student nurse must unfold different abilities in order to fully utilize his or her experiences so he or she can assimilate these learnings. These abilities include learning from actual experience, learning by observing others, creating theories to understand what is seen and finally, using these theories to solve problems. In due time, with all their gained experienced learning, student nurses will be equipped with proper skills, sufficient knowledge and right attitude to be competitive with