Teaching Philosophy: Annie

BLTH 515 Teaching Philosophy 

Hello! My name is Annie, and I hope to be a nurse educator in a nursing program.

I find that the purpose of education is to inspire growth, change, and the expansion of the learner’s mind. Education is for anyone able and willing to learn, and a quality education should prepare individuals to face the challenges they will encounter in life. A highly educated person is someone who can critically analyze societal problems and develop meaningful solutions.

Education should be tailored to the content being learned and the student engaging with it. For example, teaching mathematics follows a different structure than learning how to woodwork. Effective instruction incorporates various approaches, including verbal, visual, and hands-on learning. In today's technology-driven world, I strive to continuously learn new skills that will enhance my ability to instruct students with innovative teaching strategies. Technology is an invaluable tool that extends learning beyond traditional methods, offering interactive, adaptive, and collaborative experiences that foster deeper comprehension and engagement.

I believe that the professor should be learning alongside the student when it comes to new technology. Technological advancements in nursing education—from simulation labs and electronic health records to telehealth training and AI equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape. However, educators must recognize that not all students have had or will have equal access to technology. It is our responsibility to ensure equity and inclusivity in learning environments, providing opportunities for all students to engage with technological tools regardless of their background. Ultimately, my goal is to prepare students not just for academic success but for a future where technological fluency and lifelong learning will be crucial. By embracing technology as an asset in education, I hope that my future students will be able to navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence and curiosity. 

Students learn best when they understand why they are learning something and when a teacher brings personal experiences to the lesson. In my own life, I find one of my strengths when teaching nursing students is sharing stories that give meaning to our discussions. However, one challenge I still face is focusing too much on whether my students enjoy the teaching rather than trusting that deep learning is happening despite the natural stress of nursing education.

My overall goal is to inspire students to create change in their profession. My pursuit of being a nurse educator is driven by two key motivations: 1) my love for teaching students, and 2) my post-pandemic reflection on my role within healthcare. While burnout led me away from the front lines, I view education as a powerful way to contribute meaningfully to the nursing profession and ensure future nurses are well-prepared to meet the demands of patient care.

In terms of learning theories, I gravitate toward Ausubel’s assimilation theory, which emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections between personal experiences and new material, as well as Vygotsky’s scaffolding theory, which highlights the critical role of instructors in guiding students toward deeper understanding. Technology, when thoughtfully incorporated, strengthens these theories by providing students with personalized learning experiences, simulations, and digital tools that reinforce their knowledge.

I do not have all the answers about education. In our current political and socioeconomic climate, I fear that education may become increasingly commodified. While nurses will always be needed, I worry there may be a shift toward prioritizing technical skills over holistic learning. I will do my best to ensure that my students not only acquire the knowledge necessary to be skilled caretakers but also develop the ability to think critically, advocate for patient-centered care, and drive meaningful progress within the profession

Also, I felt I needed to add cat photos to this page to reward you if you've read this far. So, here are my three children. From left bottom: Louisa (real name Frankie-Lou), Basil, and Whiskey (on the ledge).