Learning Needs to Stick Like GOO!
Today, I want to share just a teensy part of my background (hopefully, you won’t be bored), so I can share a teaching technique which makes certain learning STICKS!
Several years ago, I was Director of Staff Development for a large Veteran’s Administration facility. This was a HUGE, BRAND-SPANKING-NEW, state-of-the-art retirement home, designed to provide excellent care for veterans as they aged, or otherwise became unable to care for themselves.
I was fortunate to be involved in the set-up and expansion of the staff, buildings, resident population, and the programs.
My primary responsibility was developing, implementing and documenting training for all personnel (from doctors and nurses, all the way to the custodial and kitchen staff). This training had to ensure that all treatments, personal care, medication administration, and even cleaning or cooking (materials and procedures) were in compliance with all federal and state regulations, including DHEC and OSHA.
I conducted Orientation for all new personnel, as well as ongoing classes and lectures for every employee, to maintain regulatory compliance. I had to assure periodic CPR certification for critical personnel. Plus, I had the privilege to supervise Rehab and Physical Therapy.
Are you bored with my resume yet? Hang on, ’cause I DO have a reason for sharing.
My students came from all age, socioeconomic and intelligence levels, with a wide variety of learning skills.
Every student (doctor, cook or custodian) was able to successfully complete (and master) training, retention and actual job performance with the following education track:
- Tell ‘em what they need to learn using a combination teaching delivery (eg. lecture, audio-visual, written materials, etc.)
- Demonstrate techniques and correct procedures.
- Allow time for, and supervise, Group practice (Peer Teaching).
- Monitor Return Demonstration. (Student performs for teacher.)
- Repeat the above sequence as many times as necessary to achieve learning mastery and retention.
- Administer written test. (NOTE: Only AFTER previous steps were satisfactorily completed.)
In nursing, we learn about the importance of “psychomotor skills”. This involves embedding the learning into the brain AND the body so that the information STICKS! It involves all the senses and, most importantly, it involves practice, peer practice and support, and DOING!
In nursing, mastering skills can be a matter of life or death. In life, mastering skills may mean the difference between success or failure, even death.
The USA needs learning that STICKS!
Brennan
“Repeat the above sequence as many times as necessary to achieve learning mastery and retention.” If only the public schools would listen.
You said it, Clara!
That’s what we are going to do. As a united movement, we are going to FORCE schools to use techniques that work.
No more settling for “dumbing down” our schools – or letting them be “the laughing-stock of the globe’!
We’re really just gathering momentum but then, LOOK OUT!