Student-teacher connection: a place of possibility

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Humanistic Pedagogy
• Relational Dynamics

Background:

• Humanistic paradigms in nursing education emphasize student-teacher relationships.
• Connection is a recurring theme in student, educator, and clinician experiences within emancipatory curricula.
• Prior research indicates student-teacher connection positively impacts learning and professional socialization in clinical nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expand the understanding of student-teacher connection in nursing education.
• To offer educators guidance on fostering connection as a space of possibility.
• To explore the intrinsic value of connection beyond tangible outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of student-teacher connection.
• Synthesis of existing literature on caring and connection in nursing education.
• Exploration of connection's role in supporting at-risk students.

Main Results:

• Student-teacher connection possesses intrinsic value, rooted in knowing, trust, respect, and mutuality.
• This connection creates a transformative space for student affirmation, insight, and capacity development.
• Connection serves as a cornerstone for supporting students at risk of failing clinical nursing courses.

Conclusions:

• Student-teacher connection is a place of possibility, vital for student learning and professional development.
• Implications for educator preparation and evaluation are highlighted, emphasizing relational competence.
• Educators are urged to reflect on their beliefs and actions influencing student relationships.