Academic transformation framework implementation: Enhancing professional practice in higher education
August 9, 2023
Dr. Denise Brown, Ph.D., MBA, RN, BS, BSN
Associate Dean of Health Sciences, The Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of EAB.
According to the Associated Press, “42% of ACT-tested graduates in the class of 2022 met none of the subject benchmarks in English, reading, science and math (NPR, 2022).” This alarming data represents the lowest ACT scores in 30 years, creating unique demands for professors in higher education, especially in the nursing field where students need to be competent in science, reading, and math.
Nursing colleges are faced with the challenge of preparing nursing students with both clinical and communication techniques using higher-level thinking. Additionally, they must demonstrate multiple clinical competencies to successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which is required prior to practicing as a registered nurse.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic required institutions to modify teaching modalities by quickly pivoting from face-to-face to virtual platforms. This impact on student learning posed significant demands on teachers and faculty with high school graduates lacking in foundational knowledge when entering higher ed.
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Our approach to improve student outcomes and college readiness is based on our development of a three-domain Academic Transformational Framework, designed to promote continuous quality improvement. The framework emphasizes curriculum redesign; assessment of student learning; and student-centered instruction, initially developed by Charlotte Danielson and modified for our institution.
By focusing on student centered instruction using a rubric framework, all faculty are being trained on classroom strategies to improve student outcomes. We will accomplish continuous improvement by observing and educating faculty, providing continuous monitoring of student outcomes, and ensuring faculty resources are available.
References
Charlotte Danielson: https://danielsongroup.org/the-framework-for-teaching
NPR: ACT test scores drop to their losest in 30 years. https://www.npr.org/2022/10/12/1128376442
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