Summary C920 Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education.docx Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
C920: Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education
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Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education
Contemporary curriculum development creates evidence-based, content-relevant,
integrated learning into nursing education. Facilitation of learning in nursing depends on
curriculum that incorporates effective learning activities, appropriate assessment of learning
outcomes, and aligns with The Essentials for Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing
Practice (AACN, 2008). Academic nurse educators (ANEs) strive to create environments that
are intellectually stimulating, challenging, and encourage continual development of knowledge
and skills. The ANE uses learning theory, supplemental resources, and scenario-based learning
activities to enhance student learning in the classroom and the online learning environment.
Learning Environment
Academic nurse educators must be open and receptive to explore new approaches to
teaching that are designed to meet the diverse learning needs of today’s nursing students. Nurses
prepared at the baccalaureate level are expected to advance professional nursing practice that
benefits patients and nurses to deliver safe, quality patient care. The primary goal of nursing
education remains the same; student nurses need to be prepared to meet the diverse needs of
patients and function as leaders within the healthcare community. The contemporary ANE
recognizes that a smooth transition from the academic setting to the practice environment
depends on preparing students to apply subject knowledge and critical thinking skills with realworld scenario-based learning activities. Incorporating course elements that create a stimulating
and challenging learning environment while developing student nursing knowledge, skills, and
competencies is a crucial task for the nurse educator. To align with The Essentials, the modules
were designed using course elements that emphasize evidence-based practice, patient safety,
critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and caring for patients across the lifespan.