Written by Robby MacBain
In keeping with the spirit of innovation that has established the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing as a national leader in nursing education, Dean Martha N. Hill, PhD, RN, FAAN recently announced a new strategic initiative for the school: “Enhancing Teaching Excellence.” The initiative is designed to address the need for an educational model that will prepare students for the rapidly changing world of nursing.
According to Hill, the announcement comes in response to the enthusiasm that students have expressed for “more flexible and exciting options,” both in and outside of the classroom. “They want distance-learning, inter-professional teaching, simulation, and stimulation,” she says.
Anne Belcher, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF will transition from her current role as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to become the inaugural Director of the Office of Teaching Excellence.
Belcher will begin by sitting down with student focus groups to determine what they are enthusiastic about and what works in the classroom. “We’re not planning on making any changes before we consult with students,” says Belcher. A task force will also be created to make recommendations on how teaching excellence can best be promoted through-out the program.
According to Dr. Belcher, “the fact that the Dean is committing resources and that the faculty and students are committing their time and expertise to this venture will ensure that the ‘Enhancing Teaching Excellence’ initiative will have an immediately positive impact. This is an exciting time for the School of Nursing.”