Brain Science-Based Innovative Collaborative Teaching to Facilitate Nursing Education.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience in Education
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Innovative teaching strategies, termed brain science, leverage neurochemical responses for enhanced learning.
• Motivation and attention chemicals boost learning, while stress hormones impede it.
• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique stressors but also opportunities for educational innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To redesign traditional undergraduate nursing courses using brain science principles.
• To address learning challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Faculty collaborated to integrate brain science concepts into specialty nursing courses.
• Course redesign focused on facilitating learning amidst pandemic-induced stress.

Main Results:

• Students achieved higher average course scores compared to previous cohorts (Obstetrics: 2%, Pediatrics: 4.34%, Critical Care: 1.38%).
• Student feedback regarding the redesigned courses was overwhelmingly positive.

Conclusions:

• Brain science offers a foundational framework for advanced, optimal learning environments.
• The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the adoption of advanced educational models that support facilitated learning.