Our Approach To Learning

Many of our programs are delivered in through a hybrid system in a shorter timeframe than other programs and we are often asked if we provide ‘less’ training. Our programs are built with all the State and National standards that are required, in addition to the knowledge and experience of our instructors. We try to bring you a combination of academic and real-world practice models to give you a well-rounded foundation for the workplace.

The method by which we deliver this hybrid method for many of our programs is through a process called a “flipped classroom”. The flipped classroom goes beyond the traditional classroom setting where an instructor stands in front of the class reciting everything to a student. The flipped classroom steps away from the typical PowerPoint lectures and engages student-centered learning. Students’ complete assignments at home that focus on foundational knowledge such as terms and definitions. Then students can focus on knowledge application in the classroom by completing activities with their peers that simulate real life scenarios that they could encounter in the workplace. This form of engagement motivates students to express their own thoughts during the collaborative process, take an active role in class discussion, and improve student satisfaction with the course (Al-Samarrie et al, 2020). Study after study shows that a flipped classroom, particularly in health care, promotes a better understanding of the topic, improves performance, and demonstrates greater results with National testing compared to traditional classrooms (Koh, 2019).

The biggest hurdle for a flipped classroom is the perception that students are “teaching themselves” as many are reluctant to spend their own time online to cover much of the material. Students are hesitant to take the responsibility of learning the material and fear they aren’t capable of learning as much. Yet studies show that when presented with the same material in the traditional classroom, students learn and retain less compared to the flipped classroom (Al-Samarrie et al, 2020). A flipped classroom allows students to receive comprehensive instructor interactions in the classroom and more time focusing on the activities related to clinical practice.
Motivation is the key to any learning. Research has shown that the student’s motivation for learning ultimately affects their performance. Students who have a positive attitude towards learning, particularly with the flipped classroom, have improved knowledge, skills, and engagement (Ruiz-Jiménez et al, 2022).
Our goal is to assist students to be the best health care providers they can be utilizing the most effective evidence-based methods to promote the environment of learning. While accessing a hybrid environment, the “flipped classroom”, can be a daunting experience for some, we believe it to be the most beneficial means to help ensure that the caregivers of the future are dedicated, knowledgeable, and prepared to meet the demands of the ever-changing health care system.

References
Al-Samarraie, Shamsuddin, A., & Alzahrani, A. I. (2020). A flipped classroom model in higher education: a review of the evidence across disciplines. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68(3), 1017–1051. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-019-09718-8

Ruiz-Jiménez, C., Martínez-Jiménez, R., Licerán-Gutiérrez, A., & García-Martí, E. (2022). Students’ attitude: Key to understanding the improvement of their academic RESULTS in a flipped classroom environment. The International Journal of Management Education, 20(2). doi:doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2022.100635

Koh. (2019). Four Pedagogical Dimensions for Understanding Flipped Classroom Practices in Higher Education: A Systematic Review. Educational Sciences : Theory & Practice, 19(4), 14–33. https://doi.org/10.12738/estp.2019.4.002

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