Quinn and Hughes (AAA) Describes reflection as a recollection of past experience. Nurses and Midwifery council, NC (AAA) Code 38 states that Nurses eve got accountability to keep their skills and knowledge up to date to develop their competence and performance. The same author also stated in Code 41 that nurses have accountability to support and facilitate the learning of others including students to develop their competence.
To achieve this nurses have to actively participate in various appropriate and learning activities to maintain high standards all the time. Through out may career I have learnt that mentoring is one way that Health care professionals uses to support and guide others to develop their competencies. According to Downier and Bastard (2003) Mentoring Is when an experienced person takes Interest In another Individual to develop their knowledge and skills.
The (NC,2010) clearly states that students must demonstrate to be take a vital role in supporting the students to achieve this goal. In my LDAP I conducted a teaching session with a Level one learner, also present was my mentor. According to Nickel and Kenilworth (AAA) Teaching induces learning. Before I conducted the session I had to make sure I have done thorough research on the subject chosen so that I have adequate and up to ate knowledge of the content to support my learner effectively.
Queen and Hughes (2007) states that a teacher must posses a thorough Understanding of the taught subject but he also argued that sometimes higher level of knowledge can pose a problem in deciding how much content has to be taught which can end up leaving the most important aspects of the matter. I had to constructs teaching plan before the session, (Technology,1999-2010) Argues that effective lesson plan produces effective teaching and positive outcome for the student.
How ever during my rarer I have come across situations where by teaching has to take place immediately especially in work place if a need arise where there is no chance for constructing a teaching plan. In my teaching lesson plan I had to know my learners background , their learning experience and styles Nickel and Kenilworth (Bibb) explains that many educational practitioners adopts different learning theories to inform learning which can change depending on the nature of students and other factors that can affect learning process.
How ever I also discussed and used other earning styles with the learner which I have learnt through this module and had to discuss convenient time for both of us and conducive learning atmosphere with my learner . Welsh and Swan (2002) talks about Measles hierarchy of needs, which states that when an individuals needs are effectively met they move in search of higher order needs, in this case I had to ensure the safety environment for learning and time management to facilitate my learners concentration.
I also had to plan for my objectives for the session, equipments and materials to be used. At the beginning of my session I introduced the contents of the subject to the learner and explained what will be expected of her at the end of the session such as demonstration of her understanding of the taught subject, assessment and evaluation methods at the end of the session.
Queen and Hughes (2007 b) stated that stating the aims and learning outcome of the teaching session helps the learner understands the purpose of the session, however the author also argues that this can make the student to focus heavily towards the assessment rather than the subject. I knew that the earner was level one Health care worker but I also had one year past experience of working in a clinical setting and had some knowledge of the taught subject. Stuart (2007) Defines assessment as a way of determining competence in workplace and a motivational factor to learning.
The same author went on to argue about the factors that can affect assessment such as the assessors professional experience, values and beliefs and some factors which can affect the learner such as emotional and physical factors In my teaching session I had to do a lecture followed by a demonstration off procedure and practice. I used visual aids through out the session, and hand outs were given at the end of the session. Attorney and Thompson (1987) talked about the importance of using handouts as to help learners remember what they have or will earn however he also questions the learners engagement without hand outs.
According to my experience as a student I find that sometimes when given handouts at the beginning It was distracting because my focus was on the hand outs rather than the taught subject but at the same time when I was given the handouts at the end of the session not always did I find myself reading them. At the end of the day I still came out with some information from the lecture. Due to our company’s policy I was not able to use any Technology and information ( I. T) equipment at such time as it was night hours.
I involved the learner through out the session using prompting questions which I observed that the learner find it more interesting by participating and engaging more at the same time I was able to asses her level of understanding of the taught subject. Before the end of my session I asked the learner to demonstrate and explain a procedure that I had already monstrance to her under my supervision and observation to assess if they had understood the whole concept having in mind the factors that can affect the assessment it self. Constructive feed back and a chance to ask questions regarding the taught subject.
Giving feed back according to Stuart (Bibb) is a constructive discussion between the assessor and the learner about the clinical experience they have been involved, he further on said that it helps the learner to monitor their weaknesses and strength therefore to reinforce their learning. According to my experience of working and inducting supervision with Junior staff I used to find it challenging to give negative feedback but this module have boosted my assertive skills to always work according to The NC (Bibb) code 32 which clearly states that as a nurse I must manage risk.
At the very end of the session I made my evaluation based on the assessment I made and a I also conferred with my mentor to ensure the reliability and validity of assessment, Quinn and Hughes (20070. I continued to assess the learners practice every time I work with her and I also asked opinion of other members of the team to assess if the learner eve been applying what they have learnt to her practice for continuity of assessment.
The NC (ICC) clause 26 emphasizes on the importance of working as a team, by consulting and taking advice from colleagues when appropriate. Completing this course have made me more aware of being a leading roles in facilitating learning at my work place such as Continuing Professional Development Presentations, imparting knowledge and supporting others to learn new skills, conducting supervision of Junior staff and participating in interviews confidently and effectively.
I also think that I eve gained quiet a lot of skills and knowledge in facilitating learning process, assessment, observation and supervision. As a mentor am now more aware of my role as good role model to others and being a gate keeper by preventing bad practice and ensuring good practice at all times and always be up to date with my knowledge and skills. This module has also motivated me to make plans to continue with my degree top up. This module has also helped me to be more assertive and boost my confidence and carry out my duties effectively.
