Self-Directed Learning for&nbsp;Nurses?

Independent learning (?)

March 24, 2010 at 4:59 am

neojinxia

Self directed learning (SDL) is essential in helping nurses in current healthcare situation, whereby individual needs to increase his/her knowledge when dealing with well-informed patient. But like many had mentioned SDL require self motivation. Therefore as facilitators, we need to patiently guide nurses in adopting this method of learning; which “lizmalizhi ” commented that the beginning of adopting can be a difficult journey.
The end result can be that the nurses have more confident in handling patients or doctor.

muihoon

SDL is very effective for us to cope and keep up with the ever changing world of knowledge in all fields especially so in the medical arena. The only problem in SDL is in the learner he/she has to be motivated ,confident,willing to sacrifice time and disciplined to make he SDL concious efforts to reflect,evaluate his/her progress.At the end of the day the learner will eventually benefit holistically by becoming better in the following areas:-
—analytical thinking
—confidence
—better time management
—self discipline
—knowledgeable

March 24, 2010 at 3:36 am

sus001951

SDL is a good way of updating urself with informations that u need. Bravo to parkway now that nurses are encouraged to do case presentation. I’m really looking into it.

March 24, 2010 at 3:59 am

Hi Su

Obviously you can see the benfits. Now, what do you see are some of the challenges facing you?

Tirzah

sus001951

time. I’ve to rush nowadays. mother in law in hospital. besides household chores, I’ve to work and cook, very tiring but i really enjoyed it. I’ll prepare my case presentation at night before i go to sleep. every 2 days I spend at least 20-30 minutes to update my coming case presentation. and need to get some information on the presentation. but it’s worth it full of satisfaction.

March 24, 2010 at 3:39 am

March 24, 2010 at 3:55 am

Self directed learning (SDL) is a two-way approach. Much responsibility is on the learner to be motivated to learn. However, the trainer’s role is equally important to guide, facilitate and motivate the learner. The trainer has to assist the learner to acquire the skills for SDL.

hwakin

Yes! Totally agree with you.

But how can we motivate the learner in order for us to guide them through? How about building the confidence in them? Would this help?

That’s the role of the trainer to help build the learner’s confidence.
Below are some ways to help build confidence of the learner:

1) Start with a level that is within the learner’s comfort zone.
2) Provide assurance that help and resources are readily available
3) Explore with them to find out strenth and weakness of the learner

March 24, 2010 at 4:32 am

hwakin

mmm may be we need to learn more about the learner? find out where they are, reasons for not being SDL prone, diagnose and then guide and facilitate along the way according to individual needs in gearing them towards SHL. I am not a SDL person and now i start to think and find ways to be more SDL. Laziness (love to relax) ould be one of my problem. heeee…

March 24, 2010 at 5:10 am

Hwakin:

I totally agree with you that as a trainer, we must first understand our learner. I’m also not SDL orientated. Will usually stick within my comfort zone….Cheers

muihoon

hwakin,
to relax is not laziness unless it is continous relaxation then it becomes being slothful! Obviously a SDL can never be a sloth they are the direct opposite.In this present world its is difficult to find “sloths” as they will die off or forced out of their comfort zone for survival.
I believe that every man however humble is his profession given the ecognotion of his talent/potential together with he right encouragement and opportunities he/she can be transformed to be a SDL

March 24, 2010 at 4:00 am

March 24, 2010 at 4:19 am

Hi Oliver

True, it’s a two-way street, with the learner as the Main player … now, from your readings, what do you know are the benefits and challenges of SDL in nurse education – for you as a trainer?

Tirzah

March 24, 2010 at 4:34 am

Benefits:

Learners will have increased confidence, autonomy, motivation and preparation for lifelong learning. With that, Trainer can be challenged by the learner (in a non-hostile manner) and will gain higher knowlegde from each teaching experience.

Challenges:

Time is the biggest factor:
I think the trainer has to spend a significant of time to analyse and understand the learner. In a nursing environment, we are doing stuff that are real time and real patients. Nurse Manager/Clinician/Educator usually has many more secondary appointments. At current situation, it’s faster to show and tell to teach.

Trainer mindset:
Due to time constraint, our mindset is to do things fast. So over time, our mindset has been shaped and mould. It will take much effort and time for the change.

vivlim

Oliver, what may help is to give the student a pre- requisite for the class.
Eg. Pre reading material that is required or learning package.
This may help give the student a refresher and give the teacher more time

March 24, 2010 at 4:15 am

vivlim

Agree, the learner needs to acquire SDL skill.
It was suggested that SDL would be more powerful when its sytematic.
- Areas of knowledge/skills that need to be gained
- How do you go about it
- How will we know that we’ve gained knowlege/skills ( evaluation process)

lizmalizhi

For the trainer, evaluate the learning results of the SDL learner is also important.

March 24, 2010 at 3:41 am

vivlim

“Give a person to fish, he eats for a day, Teach a person to fish, he eats for life”

SDL becomes important to as medical sciences is expanding and therefore it is important that nurses are taught “Lifelong learning skills”

To quote:
Psychologist, Carl Rogers, founder of self-directed therapy
“Anything that can be taught to another is relatively inconsequential, and has little or no significant influence on behavior”
“The only learning which significantly influences behavior is self-discovered, self-appropriated learning”

March 24, 2010 at 3:46 am

March 24, 2010 at 4:05 am

self directed learning is a learning system for the trainer to imposed and cultivate the learner interest and post the learning needs to the learner. I believe that the SDL soon or letter will take up the learning responsibility and focus on the own intention and emphasis on their action and emphasis on the improve performance

Hi Guat Ching

Can you “impose” SDL?

Tirzah

ceciliateo

fully ageeable. SDL is self developing to help the learner to grow individually and a survival tools.

March 24, 2010 at 4:32 am

Hi Cecilia

In helping the individual to grow, what challenges do you foresee … for the learner? as well as for you the trainer?

Tirzah

SDL learning system will help the trainer to guide the learner moving into indepandence learning, able to face the challenge and critically analysed n the issued. SDL system need to plan and “different perspectives on it. ‘Learning to learn is not just another slogan. It denotes a specific pedagogic approach that teachers must themselves master.” as K.Ramnarayan and Shyamala Hande.

March 24, 2010 at 4:10 am

mayleechu

i agree. That is how life progress.

Hi May

Would you like to elaborate on what you agree? The question I posed was: how do you think SDL can be adopted for nurse education considering the benefits and challenges of SDL?

Tirzah

March 24, 2010 at 3:58 am

mayleechu

i agree on what vivienne has commented especially regarding “lifelong skills” related to SDL as a challenge and benefit.

hwakin

Yes, other then gearing to become a facilitator and guide for SDL, i have to “wake” myself up – motivate myself to be more SDL too.

March 24, 2010 at 4:12 am

That’s a good point – to begin the change with you ). What’s the greatest challenge you’re facing to become a SDL?

Tirzah

Excellent, Vivienne. You’ve even supported your comments with quotes from experts. Now, what are your thoughts about “challenges” facing nurse education in adopting SDL?

Tirzah

March 24, 2010 at 3:43 am

vivlim

The “challenges” would be getting them started with the required skills.
It needs to by systematic to be effective:
- new nurse may not be able to manage time or focus
- they may get lost in the world of internet information

But most important for myself would be evaluating that knowledge or understand is gained (not just a paper exercise)

March 24, 2010 at 4:19 am

SDL is based solely on an individual (based on adult learning). But certain guidance will still be needed in putting the student in the correct direction. Ultimately, what will be given and seen is the responsibilities, extra knowledge, attitude, abilities and personality characteristics formed by the individual.
This will determine on factors like SDL readiness (acceptance) and past experiences.
This can promote an educational climate that will foster adult learning principles, gradually promoting student autonomy and mutual
responsibility for learning in a non-threatening environment and also reduce student anxiety.

March 24, 2010 at 4:27 am

Hi Jonathan

You’re right about “reducing student anxiety”. What do you think are some of the factors that cause anxiety in learners – even in SDL? Perhaps you can draw from your readings and share …

Tirzah

March 24, 2010 at 3:43 am

From the reading, the usual cause of anxiety in learners are lack of experience and fear. These are the 2 main contributing factors that can lead to anxiety.
The problem with our Asian culture is that if you get scolded or told-off, you will actually shunt away from the issue and therefore, will create a barrier to the trainer and questions asked will not be answered. Yes, many will agree Singaporeans are improving, but those are the younger generation.
And when you have a lack of experience, the fear will come in. This will automatically create an anxiety in any student.

lizmalizhi

We could benifit from SDL as this can help our nurses learn better and faster. The new nurses with take responsibility for their own learning. As nowadays the medical technology and knowledge keep on updating, it is more important to learn how to learn and relearn instead of learning the knowledge itself. At the begining of adoption, there may be some negtive feelings for the learners eg: frustration, dissatisfaction or confused, however, at the end of the day, we will have happy and confidence life long learners.

March 24, 2010 at 3:46 am

cnutcl2

Use own time to read the article that i intend to know the skill and procedure practically and well. It one way to upgrade myself in nursing line.
If the hospital can count SDL’s time in the working hour, I’ll be very very happy. What do you think??

March 24, 2010 at 3:58 am

vivlim

SNB allows individuals to key in CEU of articles read.
1 of the ways that you can claim CEU for the articles read in the hospital may be thru:

 Journal Club
 Presentations

Just a thought

cnutcl2

That one just earn CNE point but we still use lots and lots own time in working time.
Need more own time so that to increase productivity in work, heh..

March 24, 2010 at 4:10 am

sus001951

can claim CEU hours from reading jounal? R u sure?

March 24, 2010 at 4:08 am

Hi vivian i interested on the SNB CEU, it will be good that Parkway have the system too, i think that CEU point indirectely rewarded the learner and motivated the learner to look up the new challenge and indirectly caltivated the learner to move on the life long learning, expecialy in the healthcare. i had this experience in Saudi. it wonderful and sense of acheivement.

ngsaichoo

I am also in for it. At least our boses know that we are learning. Cheers!

March 24, 2010 at 4:30 am

vivlim

We formed a Journal Club for ICU nurses for literature/ evidence based sharing. And the nurses get to claim CEU (3 hours) for their SDL
Some nurses are passionate about certain topics and share on their experience.

Certainly, you do need support for the top…

cnutcl2

Sus- If i’m not wrong, it earn CNE point.

March 24, 2010 at 4:14 am

hwakin

I think we will end up having lots of time to claim back.

March 24, 2010 at 3:49 am

yasayong1

An individual take the initiation and responsible in learning an areas particular interest him or her.
The learning is progressive and happens every day and anytime
The learner find learning challenging and create learning activities and fine time to do it.

March 24, 2010 at 4:11 am

ngsaichoo

yes, learning take place at any time and any where. It depends on individual perceptions and understanding what was learnt.

March 24, 2010 at 4:20 am

March 24, 2010 at 3:50 am

yes i learn so much today from the blog and the interesting comment from my peers.

jaynehanpt

With the advance in technology and the explosives of knowledge in today heath care industry, learning has become life-long feature in nursing as with other industries.

In my perspective, I strongly agree with the recommended literatures review that self-directed learning makes a person to be responsible, indeveloping an analytical mind and from a feeling of lost to being confidence. However, outcome of self-directed learning is very much determined by the learner’s exhibition of interests, discipline or responsiblities towards himself or herself to discover and excels.

The teacher’s role in learning may appeared to less significant over here as compared to passive learning but if the teacher is able to handles the differrent behaviour of each learner e.g learner who has lack of confidence in certain topic, by encouraging this learner, I believed the achievement is commendable.

March 24, 2010 at 4:26 am

March 24, 2010 at 3:50 am

Hi Jayne

Why do you think that the teacher/ trainer’s role is less significant in SDL?

And does an explosion of knowledge mean you’re a life-long learner?

Tirzah

mayleechu

Self-directed learning is essential in assisting nurses to meet the challenges presented in today’s health care environment. Nurse educators have an important role to play in assisting nurses to acquire the skills for self-directed learning, and to do this they need to understand the concept of self-directed learning as mentioned by O’Shea E. I personaaly agreed to what he has mentioned. To adopt ‘self directed learning’, we need to create an awareness to our managers or supervisors to have an understanding of the importance of self directed learning in nurse education.

March 24, 2010 at 4:00 am

soon we all nurses need to focus on the evidence base learning, there are no excuses or claim than no time to complete certain task Becaose SDL are taken place at any time and any place. You will know the impart of new knowlegde and challenge. This indirectely buil u the nurse’s character and behaviour

March 24, 2010 at 3:52 am

hwakin

Yeah, that triggers self reflection within myself. Am i a SDL person? Hmmm … do something about it.

lynnng

Benefits of SDL:-
Stir the learner to develp “survival skills”.
Seek help and do research on his/own.
Takes ownership during the process of learning
Seilf discipline and makes time to learn
Acquired critical and reflective thinking
Update oneself on latest development which is vital in medical science as we deal withl human lives. – benefit the sick through new ways of doing things.
Lifelong learning and not rote learning – develop skills of inquiry.

Challenges of SDL:-
Maynot benefit those who are introvert.
Slow learners – may have difficult to catch up with others
Socio-background – maybe used to learning dependant on lecturers and SDL can come as a cultural shock
Stressed emotionally if not able to “fit in” to those who are more vocal.
May stifled learner if he/she felt inadequate, not being guided properly or encouraged when he/she stumble.

March 24, 2010 at 4:12 am

ceciliateo

true lynn. each learner is an individual and the feelings are very different. Emotional Stress, Social Background, Language Skills affects the individual thus making it difficult for educator to implement SDL. Therefore, it becomes very challenging for the educator to develop strategies…. faciling a dilemma???

March 24, 2010 at 3:52 am

SDL indirectly help the learner to look into the new trend of the knowledge and critically analized with the evidence base practices so that to buid up the comfidence to challenge the action and outcome. Soon the SOP and WI needs to provided the evidance ofthe outcome.

sus001951

yes, it is true we can benefit from SDL esp using the computers but I find that it is not easy for senior nurses to using it. Nurses especially some senior nurses are computer illiterate. they can be a traditional teacher, teach and students regurgitate. but it is not easy to teach them using computer. therefore i think they can do sdl by reading books and attend lectures but not with computer.

yasayong1

Senior nurse educator “older age” has no choice but to catch up the ITE world.
If not we will be left behind.
Also there will a gap between us and the young generation. Communication breakdown is one of the worse hindrance in facilitating learning

March 24, 2010 at 4:06 am

never been too late, but think that we had make the frist move. this is SDL!!!

ngsaichoo

it is not true that it is difficult to teach senior staff nurses to use the computer. It the needs arises, I felt that they would take up the challlenges and master some of the skills. First they need alot of encouragement, motivation and support. Remember life- long learning

March 24, 2010 at 4:06 am

lizmalizhi

Reading books is also a good way of self directed learning, but i think computer is more convenient to use once you get used to it. Just give yourself some time, you will love it. Cheers! : )

March 24, 2010 at 4:06 am

March 24, 2010 at 4:10 am

agreed difference people learn difference way, different gerenation have difference method of learning too.

cnutcl2

The more you use computer, the more you’ll get used to the computer to teach learner. Time for us to adjust to the new things and environment.

March 24, 2010 at 4:25 am

practice make perfect ,i always tell myself i can improve and progress if i make an effort to do so

March 24, 2010 at 4:56 am

elliot2903

Nothing is impossible if we have the will and put our heart and soul to do it. Yes, it may take time, but we have to keep up with time and keep ourselves updated constantly. It does not really matter whether we are from the ‘old school’ or ‘new school’. So stop giving ourselves excuses.

gohsy2003

SDL for SSN need to be motivated with assignments, put them is such situation that she have no other choice because of work requirment. eg ICU patient monitoring with high tech monitors

ceciliateo

The concept of self-directed learning is based on the principles of adult ‘s learning which can take in various ways. Self-directed learning has many benefits however , acquiring the necessary skills is dependent on the learners’ social culture, knowledges, preferred learning styles and readiness to learning needs to be assessed when judging the appropriateness of using self-directed learning approaches. Learners and educators may have differrent perspectives. The educator may need to estalish strategies t help the learnes to overcome difficulties encountered and help th learners to develop themselves. There are many potential benefits, including increased confidence, autonomy, motivation and preparation for lifelong learning.

March 24, 2010 at 3:57 am

hwakin

SDL is based on the principles of adult learning and has proven to be beneficial. Knowledge that we have acquired is not the ultimate truth and is subjected to change. SDL can be adopted to nursing education as nurses need to explore more. Relying on the educators for knowledge will limit individual learning. Therefor nurses need to be geared towards SDL.
Not everyone is the same. Personality, cultural and individual’s encounter contribute to individual’s readiness for SDL. Nurse educators need to diagnose, guide and facilitate SDL in nurses.

yasayong1

yes, nurse educators role is getting challenging everyday
we have to collect our thought and plan the facilitating than sue every individual.\
Time consuming but satisfying when the learner is progressing every day

March 24, 2010 at 4:02 am

March 24, 2010 at 4:24 am

I say it would not only be planning and getting the thought through, but also to capture the ideas from the ‘New’ world and making lessons interesting even for adult learner.
Some methods in teaching are still valuable but it would still require the the creativity and interest from the trainer first before the you can motivate the learner. This is the challenge!

March 24, 2010 at 4:31 am

Hi Yasa do you know that my son challenge me when he doing his math home work. but nurses need to be more “Brave” to chanllenge the senior nurse. Some time i think how can the nurses take the frist step to challenge?

hwakin

this would be a journey of self-enriching. we learn from the process of planning and facilitating.

March 24, 2010 at 4:25 am

ymmanuel

Self directed learning is very benificial both to the learner and the teacher(facilitator).
*Learner
-takes initiative and responsibility for what occurs.
-select, manage and assess their own learning activities which can be pursued at any time, in any place through any means.
*Teacher or motivator
-provide a variety of learning for learners.
-create an environment in which learners can mearn more effectively and efficiently.

lynnchanlj

I agree that it is amazing that the learners and learn more effectively as they have the choice to choose to what ways that are suitable for the learner.

It will be challenging for the facilitator to create the most conducive environment.

Lynn Chan

March 24, 2010 at 4:33 am

hwakin

try to acquire the power of reading people’s mind.

When SDL implement in nurse education, educator become facilitator.The sucess of SDL depend on the readiness of the student.The readiness then depends on own attitudes,abilities and personal characters. Lower readiness create anxienty and they may benefit from teacher led discussion, demostration and lectures than SDL.

ngsaichoo

People who take interest or initiative to learning, learn more things & learn better than other people. The learners are more tune to natural process of psychological development and increasing of own learning and becoming more self directed in learning.

The disadvantage of self learning, the knowledge means important might be irrelevant tomorrow. The learners have the skill learn and need to re-learn to stay current. This would enhance life long learning and keep up todate even with out formal training

March 24, 2010 at 4:04 am

lynnng

Hey, developing self-directed learning in health education is an”in”thing but we as senior staff also need to understand the learners’ needs.
This can be very challenging as each learner is an individual.
Another challenge for SDL is to create an conducive environment for them.
Is our work environment able to do that??
Any comments???

mayleechu

we can make the environment conducive for them. Being creative.

More conducive = zzZ.
Maybe a lecture room or discussion room?
How about out-of-the-office environment?

March 24, 2010 at 4:13 am

sus001951

I’m presenting a case study soon. I did a lot of search and SDL on the topic. but most of the seniors nurses are really in a rush to go home. how can i make them stay and listen to my talk? from previous presentation from others, I observed these seniors nurses are always looking at the watches indirectly asking u to hurry and finish the presentation. pl help.

cnutcl2

Can yr department claim time off when it’s not busy?? Think it’s very difficult in private setting.
Can try reward them by giving small stuff when they answer it correctly.

March 24, 2010 at 4:19 am

To be frank, everyone looks down at their watches indirectly asking you to finish off so I can go home or back to work. I understand the feeling.
But look at it in another way. What have you been thought so far? How did our trainers present? Which method do you think would work for you to keep the class interesting? Not every method is suited for you.
I think the main issue is participation from the group. People can give a very negative body language, but you can’t be deterred. You need to keep trying.
Find out the common interest of these snr nurses if possible. Try targeting on a common interest. This could help bring their interest level up.
Cheers!

ymmanuel

Be inquisitive… Asking them some questions or insights and trying to get their attention and participation.

March 24, 2010 at 4:22 am

ngsaichoo

maybe change the learning culture of the department, emphasise on the importance of learning. Perhaps link it with the performace appraisal criteria. Bring awareness in learning. Make appointment with these senior nurses to attend the case study.

March 24, 2010 at 4:33 am

March 24, 2010 at 4:59 am

Senior nurse not interested in case presentation because they think they know all.

gohsy2003

Engaged them into the project, get them involved, may be assigned to give Talks, they will then understands that speaker is motivated by responds of support.

March 24, 2010 at 9:45 am

lynnchanlj

Can try this, ask the ones that are looking at their watches the questions. They need to be engaged.

Also, it is important that we as facilitators acknowledge that there are nurses who have alot of knowledge, we need the cooperation of these nurses, maybe what we can do is ask these senior nurses to share knowledge that will benifit the group. By doing this you would have: 1. Engaged the senior ones
2. The whole group can learn from her/him
3. You have won over a fellow collegue and now
they will not be looking at their watches as
much (unless it is an emergency).

This technique is called “Acknowledging the power”

Try it next time and let me know how well it has worked for you!

March 24, 2010 at 4:15 am

ymmanuel

I think with the help of the senior staff who has the knowledge of SDL, we can help new learners to adopt this learning with the conducive environment as well.

March 24, 2010 at 4:16 am

hmlhoho

Hi lynn, i have to agree that our environment does not favour a condusive learning environment as my junior and myself are held up with lots of clinical demands recently. What I had recently tried was I ask my junior to write me a note an that day of working (Random first )on what she had learned(reflective) on that working day..what was her diffficulty..subsequently to hand me the note the next following day..in this way she was given time to recap on the above mention .Thus with this we can lead to a discussion on a agreed appointment or when the intensity of the workload had settle down

elliot2903

One of the enduring isssue in nursing education : the exponential growth in knowledge. It is a fact that the nursing school can not teach us everything that we wish to know and consider relevant. And also with the ever constant updates and changes in nursing practices, exposure to technology, the key to continuous learnning is to be self directed, where learners are motivated and take initiative in their personal learning and growth.

hmlhoho

Knowles (1975, p. 14) outlines the advantages of SDL by suggesting that learners who take the initiative:

• Learn more things and learn better than those who wait passively to be taught;

• Enter into learning more purposefully and with greater motivation; and

• Tend to retain and make use of what they learn, better and longer.

strongly agree to his prinicple of learning. Any critique on it?

March 24, 2010 at 4:30 am

gohsy2003

Yes, agreed with your point

lynnchanlj

Learners “Tend to retain and make use of what they learn, better and longer.”

I totally agree with this point, especially when they internalise and make meaning of wht they have learnt.

Lynn Chan

March 24, 2010 at 4:13 am

gohsy2003

SDL in nursing education very much based on individual interest in learning, it is an adult learning & self directed ,self motivated in order achieve the personal goals.