NR 535 Week 2 Discussion: Paradigm shift
Consider the following statement in light of the shift from teaching to learning: "Teachers
don't fail students; students fail themselves." Do you agree or disagree? Provide examples
that support your position
Traditional learning environments are generally considered to be in the format of didactic
lectures where the teacher leads the classroom and imparts knowledge on the students. In
environments like this the responsibility of ensuring learning occurs relies heavily on the teacher
without consideration of students’ learning styles or needs. Research suggests that students who
actively participate in classroom learning gain a deeper understanding of the material, improve
critical thinking skills, and experience improved academic motivation and performance
[CITATION week2 \l 1033 ]. When considering the statement "teachers don't fail students;
students fail themselves," I tend to agree because students who are self-motivated are more
independent, seek learning opportunities, achieve better academic performance, and establish
habits for life-long learning [CITATION week22 \l 1033 ]. Therefore, it seems that environments
that promote student-centered learning are more successful.
However, learning at an academic institution, especially in health sciences, is not, and
cannot be successful with student-driven learning alone. The learning material and experience
necessary to attain sufficient understanding requires the guidance of an expert—in this case a
teacher [CITATION week22 \l 1033 ]. While students may be responsible for initiating and
maintaining their learning, it is an instructor’s responsibility to provide the environment and
support that fosters self-regulated learning. This could mean presenting information in multiple
formats to meet the needs of different learning styles, guidance, mentorship, and non-traditional
classrooms.
Consider the following statement in light of the shift from teaching to learning: "Teachers
don't fail students; students fail themselves." Do you agree or disagree? Provide examples
that support your position
Traditional learning environments are generally considered to be in the format of didactic
lectures where the teacher leads the classroom and imparts knowledge on the students. In
environments like this the responsibility of ensuring learning occurs relies heavily on the teacher
without consideration of students’ learning styles or needs. Research suggests that students who
actively participate in classroom learning gain a deeper understanding of the material, improve
critical thinking skills, and experience improved academic motivation and performance
[CITATION week2 \l 1033 ]. When considering the statement "teachers don't fail students;
students fail themselves," I tend to agree because students who are self-motivated are more
independent, seek learning opportunities, achieve better academic performance, and establish
habits for life-long learning [CITATION week22 \l 1033 ]. Therefore, it seems that environments
that promote student-centered learning are more successful.
However, learning at an academic institution, especially in health sciences, is not, and
cannot be successful with student-driven learning alone. The learning material and experience
necessary to attain sufficient understanding requires the guidance of an expert—in this case a
teacher [CITATION week22 \l 1033 ]. While students may be responsible for initiating and
maintaining their learning, it is an instructor’s responsibility to provide the environment and
support that fosters self-regulated learning. This could mean presenting information in multiple
formats to meet the needs of different learning styles, guidance, mentorship, and non-traditional
classrooms.
