Experiential learning: an approach to transcultural education for nursing

Delivery of culturally appropriate health care in our pluralistic society demands that practitioners develop special attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Experimental learning is a powerful methodology for addressing the affective, as well as the cognitive, domain of learning. The exploration of personal values is an essential first step in developing cultural awareness in order to move learners beyond ethnocentrism through awareness, understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of other cultures if learners are to truly adopt a multicultural approach to their professional practice. The nursing curriculum at McMaster University School of Nursing is based on the principles of adult education and self-directed learning. A series of guided experiences have been undertaken with a variety of health sciences learners, both students and faculty members, to foster an increased appreciation of (their) own values preliminary to embarking on knowledge and skill acquisition for transcultural health care.