at least 125words each and 1 scholarly reference for each within last 5 years
post 1
I found a study that incorporated Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies to 70 educators who taught anywhere from Pre-K to college courses. UDL is a scientifically based framework that appreciates the diversity of all learners (Evmenova, 2018). Along with the varied grade levels, there was also great variability in subjects observed. This included language arts (28.6%), math (20%), social studies (14.3%), foreign language (7.6%), science (7.1%), and art and music (5.7%) (Evmenova, 2018). The three main principles of UDL includes multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression. Multiple means of engagement include ongoing feedback to students, timely response to students questions, use of office hours, and learning objectives for each module. Multiple means of representation are geared toward providing learning opportunities for the diverse learners. This includes content in text, audio, video formats, and PowerPoint presentations. Simulations for nursing students is another example of this principle. Lastly, multiple means of action/expression include how weekly activities and assignments are to be completed, giving students the choice to submit assignments in various formats like a PowerPoint, video, or audio discussion. In this exploratory study, the 70 educators were given an online course to learn about UDL implementation. The data was collected through end-of-course surveys for both the educator and the students to evaluate the success of UDL implementation (Evmenova, 2018). I thought this study was great because it already understood and appreciated that all learners are diverse. Everyone learns a different way and expresses what they learn in a different way. Some previous courses we have taken have asked us to present our findings in our preferred way. For example, I created a PowerPoint for my assignment, whereas I saw others create a video. Like previously stated, part of the UDL principle is celebrating different forms of expression when it comes to learning. When I become an educator, I will keep the UDL principles in mind to make sure I am catering to my students needs. For example, one week I may require my students to write a paper to cater to those that express themselves best in that way. The next week, I will cater towards those that like to present in a more creative manner.
POST2
Diverse voices are heard by our patients and our nursing profession. Supporting both is an ethical, moral, and professional responsibility. Described in the research article, Issues influencing success: Comparing the perspective of nurse educators and diverse nursing students, differences between diverse nursing students and educators in a baccalaureate nursing program were presented. Nursing students saw a lack of relationships with faculty and students, and nurse educators saw the biggest challenge with language proficiency (Fuller & Mott-Smith, 2017). The research study used a mixed method design and included three focus groups with nursing students whose native language was not English. The educator study group had an average of 12 years of teaching experience.
The results of the study by the educators and the students identified the following:
Workload a major challenge
Teaching practices ineffective, diverse students wanted more visual aids compared to stories.
Test taking difficulties.
I chose this article because we need to be reminded that diversity in all aspects of healthcare is around us every day. As a future educator, I need to support and promote academic achievement of diverse nursing students with self-reflection, dialogue, and effective teaching strategies.
