Week 4

Learning styles, Group process, collaboration and conflict resolution

Part A: Reflective learning/ Learning styles

Overview:
Educator and learner roles are important within the profession of nursing. The nursing courses in
this curriculum progress in the level of knowledge and activities associated with learning,
moving from first year at an individual level to fourth where students are expected to function
well within the educator role. Understanding basic learning theory related to reflective learning
and learning styles will serve a platform from which students will be able to better understand
methods to optimize both their learning and that of others.
Ends-In View
Explore learning styles.

Identify your preferred learning style.

Recognize learning activities that compliment different learning styles including your
underdeveloped ways of learning.
Gain an understanding of self-directed and interdependent learning.

Develop a plan to enhance your learning when material is not presented in your preferred
style.

In Preparation
Complete the questionnaire on the following links and print/ save the results and have
available for class:
http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html
http://literacynet.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html
http://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/
Explore: Kolbs learning styles. Please explore more indepth than the Wikipedia page.
Read:
Potter, P. & Perry, A. (2014). Canadian fundamentals of nursing (J. Ross-Kerr & M. Wood, Eds.)
(5th. ed.). Toronto, ON: Mosby (pp. 292-297).
Questions to think about:
1. Identify the major learning styles and process discussed within the literature?
2. Do you feel more or less comfortable with any of these learning styles / methods?
3. Pay particular attention to the websites. Are these methods evident within the curriculum
you are involved in now? Do you think that these methods have merit (would they
enhance your own learning)?

Part B: Group Process, Collaboration and Conflict Resolution

Ends In View
Exploration of the ways in which to learn from others.
Reflection upon ways in which teachers and learners can collaborate with each other.
Explore collaboration in healthcare.
To learn about small and large group dynamics.
Identify your personal conflict style.
Recognize your personal assumptions about conflict.
Begin exploring the impact of your personal conflict style on group dynamics and facilitation.
In Preparation
Complete the following:
1. Go to the following website and complete the conflict survey prior to class.
http://academic.engr.arizona.edu/vjohnson/ConflictManagementQuestionnaire/ConflictManagem
entQuestionnaire.asp
Bring your results and the survey to class. We will be using this survey as part of our learning
today.
2. Access and read the following: From the website www.cno.org the College of
Nurses (2009). Conflict prevention and management
3.

Download the Position statement on Interprofessional collaboration from the following

website http://cna-aiic.ca/en/on-the-issues/better-care/interprofessional-collaboration and
be ready to discuss

Progress to Praxis
Write a summary of the ways you can strengthen your ability to learn based on your experience
in class. Consider how you can best use the knowledge on how you learn. Reflect on how you
can strengthen your less developed ways of learning.
How do you see yourself transferring the skills of collaboration, group process, and conflict
resolution developed in the nursing program to your practice as a nursing student?